Scéalta Tionchair
Tá fianaise go bhfuil tionchar suntasach ag ár gcuid oibre ar rochtain ar scileanna digiteacha agus scileanna atá dírithe ar an saol amach romhainn. Léigh ár gcás-staidéir thíos chun tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoi thionchar ár gcuid oibre.
Ag obair as lámha a chéile, cruthaímid deiseanna do leanaí, do dhaoine óga agus dá bpobail
Ár dTionchar
The figures below are a reflection of our national reach to date:
Leanaí &
Daoine Óga
406,973
Oideachasóirí
Páirteach
24,524
Scoileanna & Ionad Óige faoi Thacaíocht
2,665
Oibrithe Deonacha
Traenáilte
1,288
Introducing Kinia’s Educator Advisory Board
Kinia’s Educator Advisory Board is a passionate group of educators shaping the future of our training and resources. Their insights ensure our programmes are relevant, impactful, and meet the real needs of educators and young people. By sharing their expertise, they help us empower more learners and create meaningful change in education.
We had the privilege of hosting our Educator Advisory Board at Centre Parcs for a weekend of learning, collaboration, and meaningful discussion. The event provided a valuable opportunity for educators to connect, exchange insights, and explore new ways to empower the young people they work with.
Feedback from participants highlighted the impact of the weekend:
“It was great meeting like-minded people. Great workshops, great venue. Very informative.”
“A fantastic weekend with brilliant facilitators and educators who went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and competent in all the workshops. I now feel more confident as an educator and facilitator going back to my young people and the organisation I work with. Thank you for the opportunity and experience.”
Meet Tony Doherty
For the past two years, Tony Doherty has been a shining star at TechFéile, and in 2024, his hard work, passion, and ingenuity were recognised when he was named Tech Scaçóir na Bliana.
This year, Tony poured his heart into his project, The Wind Turbine—an innovative and environmentally conscious creation designed to generate free, renewable energy for his school, Gaelcholáiste Mhic Shuibhne. Built entirely from recycled parts, his project stood out for its creativity and sustainability, earning a well-deserved nomination in the STEAM category at TechFéile.
His teacher, Stephen, spoke of Tony’s relentless dedication, sharing how he spent every spare moment—during free classes, lunch breaks, and even at home—researching, problem-solving, and perfecting his idea. Tony’s determination to overcome challenges and bring his vision to life was truly inspiring.
Beyond his own project, Tony also stepped up as a leader in the H2GP competition, guiding his peers in assembling hydrogen-powered cars and ensuring that every team member had the skills and confidence to succeed. His generosity in sharing his knowledge, his drive to innovate, and his commitment to sustainability embody the very best of what TechFéile is all about.
Tony’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, collaboration, and perseverance—qualities that will no doubt take him far in the future.
Meet Ryan
Ryan is not just learning—he’s leading. And his journey is only just beginning.
Ryan’s journey with Kinia is a testament to the power of opportunity, mentorship, and passion for STEAM.
Having won a STEAM Award at a previous TechFest, Ryan’s love for technology and innovation only grew stronger. Now, he’s paying it forward—volunteering with FDYS and inspiring the next generation of
young innovators.
Recently, Ryan completed Kinia’s robotics training, gaining the skills and
confidence to lead STEAM activities in his community. With our continued support, he is now bringing young people together, planning an exciting initiative where local groups will build robots and compete—turning learning into an interactive and engaging experience.
Ryan’s story has come full circle. Once a participant at TechFest, he will now return to Creative Technology Week not as a student, but as a leader in STEAM—mentoring others, sharing his knowledge, and proving that when young people are given the right support, they can go on to inspire change in their own communities.
Educator Story:
North Clondalkin
Library Group – Aidan
Quinn
In North Clondalkin and its surrounding communities, libraries are more than just places to borrow books—they are safe havens for young people, offering after-school programmes and spaces to connect. For many, these libraries provide a vital escape from difficult home environments, yet educators often found themselves struggling to engage the youth meaningfully. With limited activities available, young people would frequently pass the time on their phones, missing out on opportunities to develop new skills and express themselves.
This year, Kinia stepped in to change that. Through a dedicated training session at North Clondalkin Library, we worked with 15 educators from libraries across the area, equipping them with podcasting kits and
hands-on training to bring a new creative outlet to their spaces. By learning how to record, edit, and produce podcasts, these educators can now empower young people to share their voices, tell their stories, and
develop digital skills that could open doors for them in the future.
One of these educators, Aidan, knows firsthand the power of transferable skills.
Having previously worked in finance, he brought his analytical mindset into this new space and discovered a real knack for podcasting. Now, he is using his passion to inspire and mentor young people, showing them that their ideas matter and that creativity can take them anywhere.
By investing in these educators, we are investing in the young people of North Clondalkin—ensuring they have the tools, skills, and encouragement to build a brighter future.
Educator Story:
Sinead Ní Fhionnagáin
At Glór na Mara, creativity and innovation thrived this year, with students embracing Kinia’s programmes and showcasing their talents at TechFéile 2024. Behind this incredible journey stands Sinead Ní Fhionnagáin, a dedicated and inspiring educator who has transformed digital
learning in her school.
Through Sinead’s unwavering support, young people were empowered to bring their ideas to life—creating their own audio and video projects, discovering their voices, and building confidence in their digital
skills. Her passion for education goes beyond teaching; she nurtures curiosity, encourages creativity, and ensures her students are equipped with future-ready skills that will open doors for them.
Her impact did not go unnoticed. At TechFéile 2024, Sinead was recognised as Educator of the Year, a well-deserved
honour celebrating her dedication to her students and to the power of digital learning. Thanks to educators like Sinead,
young people are not just learning—they are thriving.
Ár bPáirtnéirí & Maoinitheoirí
