TYT Soul was among the many recipients at the 38th annual Fingal Cleaner Communities Awards in Swords on Thursday 19 September.
The community organisation, chaired by Pastor Dare Adetuberu, was recognised by Fingal County Council for its work in getting both young and old more involved in helping each other in their local area.
Founded by the pastor two years ago, TYT Soul is based on a concept of volunteer work to create a cleaner environment, and is supported by various groups, schools and churches in the Dublin 15 area.
Pastor Adetuberu, who also founder and minister in charge of RCCG Kingdom Connections in Blanchardstown, said that even though some members of his congregation participate in TYT Soul, it is a group that was created first and foremost by the community for the community.
“There are two primary schools that take part in some of the projects and events that we have,” he explains. “Kids in the sixth class do odd jobs on occasion. By prearranged request, some help out people in their gardens, or assist with cleaning.
“We also have support from both Fingal County Council, and the Garda community relations department, which gives information, education and support to our volunteers and helpers.
“By offering education, many of the youth working with us learn [more] about how to be responsible for their own actions, and help promote a sense of ownership.”
The group was awarded ‘best example of a community environmental initiative in Castleknock/Mulhuddart’ for a project this June involving sixth class pupils from St Luke’s and Tyrrelstown Educate Together national schools, cleaning up the common areas around Tyrrelstown as part of Fingal County Council’s ‘Adopt-a-Patch’ initiative.
TYT Soul is located in Tyrrelstown, co-ordinated by a small organising committee comprising Pastor Adebaru, Philip McKinley and Evaristus Okafor, and according to the pastor it offers another way for the different people living and working in the neighbourhood to integrate.
“I was very pleased to receive a letter congratulating us on our work within the area,” he says. “It shows that we are making a positive difference throughout our community.
“It has been great to see how much growth we have made, and we will continue to encourage and help those we can.”
