The Charge Of The Phone Brigade

Veronica Giacon, Kasey Kennedy, Ella Dallaghan, Laila Boufarsse and Alana Aguilar with Jennifer Whitmore FRI1MAY26

ive Greystones Community College students involved in the Young Social Innovators programme have been shortlisted for the finals with their smart answer to a regular smartphone problem.

Namely, the battery suddenly becoming toast when you’re stranded miles from home.

A situation that can be particularly difficult and even dangerous for women at night.

And so the students are hoping to set up free charging stations around the town and the surrounding area.

Meeting with Veronica Giacon, Kasey Kennedy, Ella Dallaghan, Laila Boufarsse and Alana Aguilar on Friday, Jennifer Whitmore TD congratulated the girls on their idea.

“This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking, community-focused innovation we need to see more of,” she said. “These students have identified a genuine safety concern, particularly for women and young people, and responded with a practical solution.

Solar-powered phone charging bench in Germany

“I really welcome this initiative and want to sincerely praise them for their hard work and leadership.”

The students hope their charging boxes will provide reassurance and an added layer of safety in public spaces, and they’re already taking steps to bring their idea closer to reality. Irish Rail have been contacted regarding the potential implementation of the charging units at DART stations in Bray, Greystones, and Kilcoole. They are also actively fundraising to support the rollout of the project.

Added Whitmore, “I am particularly impressed by the fact that the students are already engaging with key stakeholders like Irish Rail to explore how this idea can be implemented locally. That level of initiative and determination is remarkable.”

Young Whitmore said she looks forward to continuing to work with the students as they progress their project and explore opportunities to bring their idea to fruition.

“This is a fantastic example of young people using their voices and talents to make a meaningful difference,” she concluded.

“I look forward to working with this group and supporting them as they take the next steps in developing this important initiative.”

You can find out more about Stay Charged, Stay Safe over on their Instagram page here.