Support SVP’s Education and Training Bursary Fund
Every year, bright and determined young people across Ireland face a future limited not by their potential – but by poverty. In 2024 alone, more than 190,000 children were living in poverty (CSO Survey of Income and Living Conditions 2024). That same year, SVP received over 4,000 requests for help with university and college course support, including more than 200 first-time callers.
One of those calls came from Kathleen, who turned to SVP when she had nowhere else to go. Her daughter Emily – top of her class and dreaming of becoming a nurse – faced losing her chance at a university education. Not because she lacked talent. But because of poverty and hardship.
Thanks to generous people like you, the SVP’s Education and Training Bursary Fund stepped in. Today, Emily is a qualified nurse, has finished top of her class, and is about to begin her first job in the nursing profession. Her life was changed forever – because someone like you chose to give.
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Out of 39 requests from third level and higher education students for support with laptops, 18 also made a request for support with food – highlighting the broader financial pressures students face. SVP’s Education and Training Bursary Fund helps cover essential costs like course fees, books and materials, travel expenses, and other costs that make education feel out of reach. These grants, usually between €1,000 and €3,000, provide more than financial support – they offer hope, stability, and the chance to build a future.
No one should be denied an education because of poverty or circumstance. Your gift today will help transform a life tomorrow.
Emily, a gifted student, dreamed of studying nursing, but poverty and a controlling father nearly stole that future. Her mother, Kathleen, turned to SVP in desperation when she had nowhere else to go. Thanks to your support, Emily received an education bursary that covered essential costs and gave her the stability to succeed. Despite serious illness and family pressure, she graduated top of her class. Today, she’s a nurse, and her sister Caoimhe is now in college studying architecture. Your kindness and support made it happen.
He was in his 40s, had experienced homelessness, and was trying to rebuild his life. After moving to Tralee, he made the decision to return to education, hoping to retrain in a new field. However, he didn’t qualify for SUSI. He lived far from the college with no reliable transport. The path forward was slipping away. That’s when SVP stepped in, covering his fees and daily travel so he could attend class and keep going. Even when he nearly quit, the support around him helped him stay the course. Last October, he graduated. That moment of victory and second chances was made possible by the compassion of people like you.
John worked full-time in a restaurant while studying for his engineering degree, until he lost his job during the pandemic. With no income, loans were denied, and every door seemed shut. He was told, “There’s nothing we can do.”
That’s when SVP stepped in. SVP’s Education Fund gave him the support he needed to finish his degree. He went on to graduate from TU Dublin and earned a full scholarship to the University of Notre Dame in the US. Today, he works as a Senior Business Analyst. SVP gave him a chance when no one else would.
Mary returned to education at 21 to pursue a degree in Social Care. In her second year, COVID forced both her parents out of work, and as a part-time student, she didn’t qualify for state grants. Her dream of finishing college was slipping away until SVP stepped in. The Education Bursary was more than financial help. It was her lifeline. With it, she continued studying while working full-time. Today, Mary has completed her degree and now works to support others, empowered by the same compassion SVP showed her when she needed it most.
