Leaving Certificate Applied students from St. Declan’s College began their Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations in a way that captured the true spirit of the fetivities. Instead of starting with parades or festivities, they chose to spend their morning visiting patients and staff at the Mater Hospital, bringing with them treats, shamrocks, and thoughtful gifts to brighten the day.
The students visited St. Aloysius and St. Gemma’s wards where they met with patients and staff, sharing small tokens of kindness and warm conversation. The shamrocks and treats were a simple gesture, yet they carried a powerful message of connection, compassion, and community. For many patients, the visit brought smiles and a welcome lift to the day as the hospital prepared for the Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations.
The students also took time to acknowledge the people who often work behind the scenes to keep the hospital running smoothly. The facilities team at the Mater Hospital were presented with gifts and a hamper in recognition of their tireless work. Their efforts ensure that the hospital environment remains safe, clean, and welcoming for patients, visitors, and staff every day of the year. The students were keen to highlight that the spirit of care in a hospital extends far beyond the wards.
This visit was part of a planned volunteering programme that encourages young people to engage with their community in meaningful ways. Structured volunteering opportunities like this help students to step into real life environments where they can develop confidence, communication skills, empathy, and teamwork. These experiences often reveal strengths and personal attributes that may not always be visible in the classroom. When young people volunteer they begin to recognise the impact they can have on others, and this awareness is a powerful part of their development.
For the students from St. Declan’s College, the visit also marks the beginning of another important journey. Each of the students involved will be opening their MyVP National Youth Volunteering Portfolio. The MyVP is a national initiative that enables young people to record, reflect on, and celebrate their volunteering experiences. It provides a space for students to document the skills they develop, the challenges they overcome, and the contributions they make within their communities.
Through the MyVP, volunteering becomes more than a once off activity. It becomes a recognised pathway where young people can see their growth over time. By reflecting on their experiences, students build a deeper understanding of the personal qualities that volunteering helps to uncover, such as leadership, empathy, responsibility, and initiative. These attributes will support them not only in school but also as they move into further education, training, and employment.
The visit to the Mater Hospital is a powerful reminder that volunteering is not simply about giving time. It is about building relationships, recognising the contributions of others, and discovering the strengths within ourselves. As these students begin to document their volunteering journey through their MyVP portfolios, they are also helping to demonstrate the value of structured volunteering programmes that support young people to learn, grow, and contribute to their communities.
Their Saint Patrick’s Day began with shamrocks and smiles, but the impact of the experience will last far longer.
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