The Sustainability in NCI Society (SINNCI) at their inaugural event this November.  

From November 11th-15th, 2024, National College of Ireland was delighted to have transition year (TY) students from Marino College Second Level on campus to take part in a range of events, all centered around promoting sustainability. The students enjoyed taking part in a range of activities such as attending the Sustainability in NCI (SINNCI) society’s inaugural event on Nov 11th, featuring a screening of the film Dark Waters. The screening was followed by an engaging debate about the sustainability issues raised in the film, further enriching the discussion, and fostering awareness of sustainable practices among students. 

On Nov 14th, the students attended a lecture on Energy Transition and Decarbonization. Many of the students expressed how much they enjoyed being in the audience as seeing a “real” lecture was a new experience that they were very happy to be part of. It was lovely to see the students enjoying themselves and eagerly engaging with this first taste of college life. It was especially rewarding to see these young students fully welcome these conversations about sustainability. Being aware of sustainability issues and knowing how we can make changes is so important, and seeing these young students so enthusiastic about this topic at second level allows us to already imagine just how impressive they will be when they do enter third level education.

Why do we believe engaging with TY students is so important? 

Transition Year is a highly significant year in many ways. For many students, it is an opportunity for them to experience things for the very first time and having the chance to engage with new opportunities such as taking part in work placements, attending sample lectures, hearing guest speakers, and visiting third level institutions like NCI, allows these students to discover what path they may want to take in the not too distant future.  

Transition Year students will be filling out their CAO forms before they know it, and here at NCI, we are passionate about connecting with students while they are still in secondary school as we want them to be aware of all the options available to them here at the College, and we want them to understand that at National College of Ireland, they will be warmly welcomed when they join us as third level students. It is never too early for a second level student to have their dreams, goals, and ambitions taken seriously and encouraged. Sometimes it just takes one small bit of encouragement for a seed to be planted, and it is exciting to think that TY students may be inspired and discover what study/career path will suit them during their time with us.  

Giving back to the local community: NCI’s Bring & Buy Sale! 

The TY students from Marino College Second Level were excited and proud to take part in running the Bring & Buy Sale that took place on Thursday, November 28th, 2024.  

This day-long event took place in the atrium at NCI’s Mayor Square. Staff and students were invited to join the fun and bring clothes to trade. Those who wished to make a purchase also had the option to do so. The turnout on the day was fantastic, and we are so glad that these TY students got to see just how busy and lively the campus can be at these kinds of events. €500 was raised at this event and this money will be donated to Lions Clubs International food bank charity. This brilliant organization has been running their annual Christmas Food Appeal since the 1980s, providing vital support to those in need, which is especially crucial over the Christmas period.  

These brilliant students also took part in NCI’s annual Christmas Food Drive. Running from November 28th – December 12th, 2024, NCI staff and students are welcome and encouraged to donate tins and cans (non-perishable items) if they can. These items can be dropped off in the Student Support Hub where they will be donated to a food bank. Items can also be left in the Students Union.  

At NCI, we are delighted to share that this year we are collecting for the Lions Club. The Lions Club District 133 work with local communities across the country to help on the ground, they also work in connection with other organizations such as The Lighthouse Café, St. Vincent de Paul, Peter McVerry Trust, and The Capuchin Day Centre among others to ensure a coordinated approach to the distribution of food parcels and to ensure the relevant support services are available to those that need it most. 

Please do not bring fresh produce as these items cannot be donated. If you can take part, please bring tins and cans only. We hope you know that your contributions are highly appreciated.  

As winter nights grow colder and the festive season approaches, here at NCI, we are delighted to see that these TY students have taken such an active interest in giving back to the local community during their time here. We want to congratulate Anar, Alna, Uulem, Elsei, Ayub, and Patrick on their very successful week here at NCI.  

At National College of Ireland, we continuously strive to create and maintain an environment that is safe, warm, and inclusive to all, so it is highly rewarding to see that these aims have presented themselves in the work that these TY students are doing. We hope that the students at Marino College Second Level have enjoyed their NCI experience, and we hope to see them come back through the doors in a few years’ time as new students who are starting first year.  

If your organization would be interested in supporting the North East Inner City (NEIC) TY initiative during the 2025/2026 academic year, you can contact David Smyth, NEIC TY Project Officer at NCI to learn more. 

#ChangingLivesThroughEducation