About

The SCOOP Story

The SCOOP Foundation, which stands for ‘Supporting Children Out of Poverty’ is a registered charity, not-for-profit organisation founded in 2009 by brothers Andrew and Calvin Sweeney. Thanks to our loyal and dedicated SCOOP Crew donors, volunteers and partners, over the past 14 years we have reached thousands of displaced people, working closely with grassroots organisations to deliver support, education and training programmes, and emergency aid in Ireland and abroad. 

The very beginning in Cambodia & India

We started our journey in Cambodia, with a primary focus on assisting young homeless children living in poverty. Over a period of seven years, we renovated an orphanage and supported the construction of three primary schools. These schools have provided education to over 3000 students. We then shifted our focus to India and helped rescue a school from closure by providing financial aid for four years. 

Our Work in Syria & Iraqi Kurdistan

In 2016, Calvin Sweeney, the Services Director of The SCOOP Foundation, volunteered as a medic in Syria during the civil war. Through the Syrias Vibes campaign, we provided support to local emergency services operating in the war zone. During his time in Syria, Calvin met a doctor who informed him about a clinic in the Bajed Kandala Camp in Iraqi Kurdistan. The camp is home to over 12,000 Yazidi people who were displaced by the genocide carried out by ISIS in 2014. This marked the beginning of The SCOOP Foundation’s work in Iraqi Kurdistan. In 2017, we launched “SCOOP Ed”, our first educational service which delivers programmes in art, remote music production, play therapy, mindfulness, IT, and basic English. 

Expanding to Direct Provision Centres in Ireland

In 2020, we expanded SCOOP Ed to Direct Provision Centers in Ireland. We work with young refugees and asylum seekers residing in centres located in Dublin and Donegal. These participants face various discriminatory barriers in their host countries, including limited access to social and financial welfare, education, employment opportunities, and social cohesion.

Our high-impact services and programmes aim to foster personal, academic, and professional development among young people and their communities. Over the past few years, we have expanded our services with the establishment of “SCOOP Recruit” and “SCOOP Art”, providing additional avenues for support and growth.

Responding to Humanitarian Emergencies

We actively engage in raising funds to provide emergency aid to our international partners working on the frontline during crises such as the Syrian and Yemeni Wars, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and natural disasters like the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. 

Erasmus+ Projects

At The SCOOP Foundation, we participate as partners and coordinators in two Erasmus+ projects: I-SAVE and Story Co-Op. These projects focus on promoting and safeguarding the human rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants.

To keep up to date with our latest news, activities and fundraising events, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn!