KCS Students Celebrate Their AIB Future Sparks Success

Following their outstanding achievement as winners of the Overall Prize and Senior Small Group Environmental Award at the 2025 AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards, students from Kinsale Community School travelled to Dublin this week to celebrate their success and continue their Future Sparks journey. The award-winning team, led by teacher Mr. Aaron Bowen, represented KCS with creativity, purpose, and a strong commitment to sustainability. 

Their project, ReNew IT, is an ambitious and socially conscious initiative aimed at reducing electronic waste through the repair and refurbishment of old laptops. By giving unused devices a new life, the students are helping to address global e-waste challenges while also supporting educational development. In partnership with a school in Tanzania, refurbished laptops are made available to support teaching and learning there, promoting digital access and cross-cultural connection. This dual focus — environmental action and global solidarity — has set ReNew IT apart as a model of student innovation and social responsibility. 

During their visit, the students had the opportunity to meet with senior leaders in AIB, including the Chief Financial Officer. They discussed the origins and development of ReNew IT, the positive effect it is already having both locally and internationally, and their plans to expand the project next year. Their vision, teamwork, and commitment to creating positive change were highly commended by AIB representatives. 

To celebrate their achievement, the group also enjoyed a fantastic immersive experience at Sandbox VR in Dublin, adding an element of fun and adventure to an already memorable day. 

Kinsale Community School is extremely proud of our students and of Mr. Bowen for their leadership, passion, and drive. Their success in the Future Sparks programme highlights the impact young people can have in shaping a more sustainable and equitable world.