Value of positive role models for young people highlighted in Waterford

The value of positive role models in a young person’s life took centre stage at a recent event in Waterford as Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI) and long-time partner Sanofi welcomed local business leaders to a breakfast event at the latter's Waterford headquarters.

Now in its 22nd year of partnership with JAI, Sanofi warmly welcomed guests from across the South East to explore the impact of role models and how business professionals play a pivotal role in shaping students’ futures – facilitating educational programmes and serving as mentors and anchors for confidence and wellbeing.

Opening the event, Sanofi Ireland’s Head of HR, Martin O’Leary emphasised that the company’s support for JAI goes far beyond philanthropy.

“The JAI breakfast event was a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make," he said.

"Through Junior Achievement, we’re not just volunteering - we’re investing in the future of our communities," he added.

Mr O'Leary said everyone at Sanofi is "incredibly proud to have partnered with JAI for over 20 years".

"Giving back is part of who we are and it’s a privilege to support the next generation through education, mentorship, and meaningful connection," he said.

He also emphasised that over the last two decades the partnership between Sanofi and JAI has reached over 12,500 students in primary and second level schools across the South East, helping students to make the connection between education and the world of work.

Guest speaker, Dr Emma Hickey, Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Manager with Jigsaw, underlined the powerful connection between mental health and mentorship. She explained how the presence of at least “one good adult” is fundamental in a young person’s life, promoting emotional resilience, motivation and a sense of purpose.

Dr Hickey said that JAI volunteers are more than guest speakers in a classroom. 

"They can be a source of inspiration and aspiration," she said, while also highlighting to those in attendance that seemingly small interactions such as listening, encouraging ad sharing their stories can have lasting effects on a young person’s mental wellbeing.

The ripple effect of volunteering was also touched on at the event through JAI Alumni and Sanofi Team Lead, Nicky O’Toole, who brought Dr Hickey’s point to life with a personal story of being inspired by JAI volunteers during his own school days in Mount Sion Primary and Secondary School in Waterford. 

That experience ultimately led him to want to work in Sanofi and volunteer himself with JAI.

“I saw first-hand the effect it had on me as a student and I wanted to be that person for someone else,” said Mr. O’Toole.

“Next week, I’ll be delivering the ‘Energize’ programme to a group of Sixth class students, which I received as a student, it’s a full-circle moment," he added.

In a special demonstration, students from St Ursula’s Primary School in Waterford showcased elements of the Sanofi-sponsored JAI programme, 'It’s Our Planet'.

A sustainability programme, the initiative is designed to ensure students get the chance to experience the excitement of actively making positive changes to help save the environment. 

Through the interactive programme, students explore waste, food, energy and nature to understand the many ways our current activities impact the environment.

JAI CEO Helen Raftery closed the event by calling on South East businesses to consider the long-term value of giving time and expertise to the next generation. 

“If you’ve had that one good adult in your life, you know the value of it,” said Ms Raftery. 

“This isn’t just about giving back, it’s about building forward," she added.

"Our partnership with Sanofi shows what is possible when a company commits to truly being part of a young person’s journey.” 

Led by volunteers from the world of work, JAI currently reaches more than 60,000 students annually, working with over 540 schools across Ireland, fostering entrepreneurship, STEM skills, financial literacy and work readiness.