Castlebar was full of life  Saturday 31st August when students from GMIT Castlebar campus, GMIT Cluain Mhuire campus and Sligo IT hosted a Community Engagement Day in Marketplace Castlebar. There are over 1,000 students living local in Castlebar and over 50% of students living here are mature students, many with young families.

Mark Duffy, President of GMIT Mayo Campus said: “GMIT Mayo are delighted to be hosting this event. It gives us an opportunity to engage with the local community. I look forward to the year ahead and building relationships with the local community. I feel that the students and residents can learn a lot from each other and I hope that this event can be the beginning of something great for both the college and town.”

The students wanted to take the opportunity to engage with local members of the community about GMIT helping out with community projects and to talk about the Union of Students in Ireland’s (USI) National Campaign “Fight for your Future Now”.

Kevin Donoghue Vice President of USI BMW Region said: “We at USI believe that student engagement in the local community is vital. With the start of the academic term just around the corner now is the time for us to show we want to get involved in local projects and initiatives and help out in our communities. With many people looking to start a new chapter of their lives in Castlebar we feel it is only right that the town as well as the college sees the benefit of a new cohort of ambitious and eager students young and old alike. We have invited many of the local representatives to join us on Saturday and we are hopeful of getting the year off to a good start.”

Joe O’Connor, USI President said: “Students play a vital role in the local community in Castlebar and in communities right across the country. The results of the recent Irish League of Credit Unions study have shown the importance of issues like the cost of college and student supports to not only students but to parents and families also. That is why it is important that our ‘Fight for Your Future Now’ campaign engages not only students, but their communities also.”

On the day there was plenty of entertainment for children and adults alike, including music, sweets, tea/coffee, face-painting and a bouncy castle.  “Fight for Your Future Now” merchandise for those who came down to show their support was also available.

For more information on the event contact Kevin Donoghue Vice President of USI BMW Region on 086 7816392