DCU progress to the semi-final round at Enactus World Cup

Congratulations to Enactus DCU who progressed to the semi-final round at the Enactus World Cup.

Business leaders, academics, alumni and third level students from across the world have gathered in the ExCeL Arena, London to celebrate social innovation and entrepreneurship at the Enactus World Cup in London.

Enactus Ireland is one of 36 country organisations around the world that operates an Enactus programme, bringing together student, academic and business leaders who are committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to solve challenges in local communities.

Representing Ireland on the global stage, Enactus Dublin City University competed in the opening round of competition. The team faced tough competition from Singapore, Ukraine and China but with Irish luck, they progressed out of their league and into the semi-final round.

DCU projects include Well On The Way, a social enterprise providing business apprenticeships to asylum seekers in order to integrate into Irish society. Well on the Way sells bottled water and uses 100% of net profit to build wells in Democratic Republic of Congo. Having raised needed funds, the first well will be built in October 2017. The teams second project, HeadstARTS, is a programme which provides weekly classes in Dance, Drama, Music and Art for people with intellectual disabilities. The team created a franchise model and are set to open in Marino, UCD and Belmullet in Co.Mayo later this year.

Enactus DCU consists of 88 students studying a range of courses in DCU who have invested more than 10,000 volunteer hours this year.

Dr Emer Ní Bhrádaigh, Assistant Professor, Dublin City University said,

“Social innovation and entrepreneurial action play an important role in shaping the future of Irish society. As a Faculty Adviser, I have the opportunity to work with students who create real social change in our communities whilst also empowering them to develop the leadership, interpersonal and practical skills necessary not only for the workplace but also for their roles as citizens contributing to creating more equal societies. I am delighted that DCU is representing Ireland on the global stage, and that our students are witnessing the innovation and passion displayed by their counterparts all across the world.”

Terence O’Rourke, Chairperson of Enactus Ireland, said:

“DCU’s involvement this year has demonstrated their tremendous understanding of how entrepreneurial skills and talents can be used to bring about real change in our communities. We are delighted to be here in London with Enactus DCU and the rest of the Irish delegation celebrating entrepreneurial actions for others this year.”