It was great to join basis.point last week at Showcase 2025, representing Philanthropy Ireland at an event that truly underscored the power of mentorship and educational opportunity. The evening was an inspiring reminder of how strategic support can transform young lives, equipping them with the resilience and skills to succeed despite challenges.
Through moving personal stories and insightful panel discussions, Showcase 2025 highlighted the impact of mentorship—both for those receiving support and for the mentors themselves. The event reinforced the importance of creating opportunities for young people and fostering an environment where talent can thrive, regardless of background.
Read how the event went from basis.point below.
When the world, to all extent and purposes, appears to be spinning uncontrollably in the wrong direction, this year Showcase 2025 delivered a much needed boost of optimism and positivity. This unique event, where the young students are the stars of the show, highlighted how mentorship and tailored support can transform lives and nurture resilience, determination, and potential in young minds.
Celebrating Transformative Stories
At the heart of the event was the moving story of Rowan Moore, a 2nd-year marketing student at NCI. Growing up amidst challenges such as crime and addiction in Ringsend, Rowan was supported early on through the ParentChild+ programme, run by the Early Learning Initiative (ELI). Her mother, determined to provide her with opportunities, enrolled in the community-based program. Benefiting from books and toys and positive role models, Rowan grew her vocabulary and social skills so that by the time she started school she was ready to learn and excelled academically.
Continuing to avail of other supports through ELI, Rowan did well, ultimately earning a scholarship to Loretto on the Green and becoming an inspiring example of the power of mentorship. Rowan now balances two part-time jobs alongside her studies at the National College of Ireland, showcasing the impact of determination and opportunity.
A Panel of Perspectives
A panel discussion, moderated by Amy Keatinge, featured individuals with first-hand experience of mentorship, both as mentors and mentees. Amy herself shared how joining Foróige’s youth entrepreneurship programme after her mother’s sudden passing helped her channel her energy and unlock her potential.
Amy’s personal journey exemplifies how guidance at key moments can change the trajectory of a young life and inspired her to re-engage as a mentor herself. Panelist Grace Dunne, a 19-year-old NFTE alumna, spoke candidly about overcoming mental health struggles and how being matched with Amy as her mentor, has had a lifechanging impact on her. Similarly, David Obayaagbona, reflected on how participation in the Junior Workshop Programme with TUDublin opened up a world of opportunity that was consolidated by encouragement from his mentor who instilled the confidence to pursue his academic goals despite initial doubts.
Both Grace and David were in agreement that having that one key adult consistently in their corner was the key to achieving their potential.
Mutual Benefits of Mentorship
Alma O’Sullivan of Maples and John Weedle of HSBC discussed their roles as corporate mentors in bridging the educational divide. They emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for young people, especially those from underserved communities, and underscored the mutually rewarding nature of these programmes. Speaking of the benefits Alma emphasised that the Business in the Community Mentorship Programme brings an excitement and a cohesion to her colleagues at Maples,
It’s brings colleagues together in the office, deliberately building a culture of inclusivity and making good decisions with that in mind. It’s 10 out of 10 for us!
John Weedle stressed the importance of ongoing relationships to build trust and maximise the benefit for both parties. The HSBC Foroige partner programme is a great example of how impact can be amplified by having this long term perspective.
Uplifting through Community
This inspirational evening was rounded off by Leona Egan, a Teen-Turn ambassador and Trinity College student, sharing her journey of overcoming barriers such as isolation and hearing difficulties. Introduced to coding through Teen-Turn, she discovered a passion that eventually inspired her to pursue science at Trinity.
The event reinforced that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not—and it’s up to us to create the pathways for success. basis.point, through its sustained investment in educational, continues to be a beacon of hope for young people seeking to overcome adversity and build better futures.
By fostering a culture of collaboration, resilience, and opportunity, the basis.point Showcase reminds us that change is possible when we work together to create brighter futures and a better world.
Thank you to Laura Trimble and HSBC for hosting this wonderful event. If the magnitude of our potential impact resonates with you, please consider increasing your personal giving. This is an opportunity to join with your fellow industry colleagues to make the world a better place.
Read more out how you can help further here.
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