Youth Volunteering Builds More Than Goodwill

Building Transversal Skills with Localise and MyVP

When people think of youth volunteering, images of community clean-ups, food drives, or helping elderly neighbours often come to mind. But at Localise, we know volunteering can be so much more than supporting communities, it can be a powerful way for young people to develop the skills they need to thrive in education, work, and life.

For over 50 years, Localise has been partnering with schools, youth groups, and communities across Ireland to offer youth-led, community-focused volunteering projects. Through these experiences, young people gain invaluable transversal skills, competencies that last a lifetime.

What Are Transversal Skills?

Transversal skills, sometimes called “21st-century skills” or “soft skills,” are transferable abilities that apply across different subjects, careers, and life situations. These include:

• Teamwork and collaboration
• Leadership and initiative
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Communication and emotional intelligence
• Planning and organisation
• Adaptability and resilience

Unlike technical skills, transversal skills aren’t tied to a single subject or job, they are essential for lifelong learning, employability, and active citizenship.

Volunteering as a Real-World Learning Space

At Localise, we see volunteering as one of the most effective ways for young people to develop these skills in real life. Our programmes encourage participants to design, plan, and carry out projects that address genuine community needs.

“Whether it’s organising a fundraiser, coordinating a food drive, or creating an intergenerational social project, young volunteers are constantly learning by doing,” explains Derek Cleary of Localise. “They’re not just helping others, they’re building the foundations for their own future success.”

In our projects, young people take on leadership roles, delegate tasks, mediate conflicts, and speak publicly, all within a supportive environment that values learning and reflection.

From Volunteering to Career and Life Success

Employers and educators increasingly recognise that transversal skills are just as important as academic or technical knowledge. Reports from the European Commission and OECD highlight these competencies as critical in today’s fast-changing world.

Through the Localise National Youth Volunteering Portfolio, MyVP, young people can track and record the skills they’ve developed through volunteering. This provides a tangible way to demonstrate their learning for college applications, CVs, or job interviews.

“MyVP gives young people formal recognition for their informal learning,” says Cleary. “It helps them reflect on and articulate what they’ve gained, confidence, empathy, adaptability, in ways that educators and employers can understand and value.”

Transversal Skills = Stronger Communities

The benefits of transversal skills go beyond personal growth. Young people who learn to collaborate, lead, and take initiative are more likely to become engaged, resilient adults who contribute meaningfully to society.

For young people who may feel disengaged from school, face economic challenges, or are new to Ireland, volunteering with Localise provides a safe, structured space to connect, belong, and discover their potential.

Conclusion: Learning Skills Through Service

Volunteering isn’t just a way to give back, it’s a powerful tool for building skills for life. With Localise and MyVP, thousands of young people across Ireland are developing the transversal skills that will help them succeed in school, work, and beyond.

Investing in youth volunteering is investing in a skilled, compassionate, and capable generation ready to shape Ireland’s future.