Child Talks 2025

Aoibheann (17)

Hello! My name is Aoibheann and I live in Dublin with my mam and sister, but 4 years ago, we were living in a homeless shelter. I was so scared of what everybody thought that I ended up making myself worse off. At Child Talks I’m going to be talking about my experience with homelessness at a critical point in my life and what got me through it.

I want to raise awareness for homelessness and I think the stigma around it needs to stop. We, as young people, can change the narrative about homelessness. I hope that sharing my story might help at-least one young person out there

Mustapha (17)

I’m Mustapha, a student originally from South Africa and now living in Ireland. I’m passionate about youth Activism technology and creativity. I love coding, building drones, and finding new ways to make a difference. I’m involved with organisations like Foróige, SpunOut, and the National Youth Council of Ireland, where I help represent young people’s voices.

At Child Talks, I’ll be sharing my story about learning to be myself, finding confidence through tech, and using my voice to inspire others.

Saoirse (16)

My name is Saoirse and I live in County Kerry with my parents and sisters, Ciara and Laoise. Earlier this year, I won the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition with a project entitled ACT, a medical emergency response application, which I developed with my two sisters. I am passionate about STEM, innovation and app development.

At Child Talks 2025, I will be sharing my journey with this project, how it started, the challenges I faced, how it all came together and what I learnt along the way about problem-solving, resilience and the power of using technology to make a difference.

Kaleb (17)

My name is Kaleb and I’m from Kilcock, Kildare. I like reading and D&D. I’m from a small enough town with not the greatest of facilities. I heard about Child Talks from my teacher and joined hoping to raise awareness and bring change about the lack of spaces for young people.

I was inspired after my local council scrapped the youth and elderly spaces in our Community Centre. I believe we can change the lack of funding for youth spaces by working together and making our voices heard.

Molly (18)

Hi my name is Molly and I’m a young person from Dublin. I’m interested in politics and I joined child talks to start a conversation about the riots in Dublin. The violence toward immigrants is concerning to say the least and one way for young people to tackle it is talking about it.

I haven’t always felt it was a topic I could bring up with friends, family or in school. Worries that we are regressing to being less accepting of differences in Ireland are daunting and it can be difficult to talk about. But if it can be brought up in the classroom organically it can give us more hope for the future.

Tadhg (11)

Hi, my name is Tadhg I am 11 years old, and I am from Cabra.
I am a caring and kind person who love to get involved in my local community and help out with community events with the local youth service. I have Djayed at family events, been Santas elf for the day and was the MC for Cabra for youth strategic plan launch this year where I got to meet local TD’s and councillors. People would say I am energetic and full of life and this helps me connect with people. I am also competitive, this helps push me to be my best in my passion for cooking, I hope to be a chef one day.

Our Child Talks 2025 Hosts

Ben is from Kildare and first took to the Child Talks stage in 2024, where he spoke openly about growing up in a single-parent family and learning to embrace his story with pride. His honesty and positivity resonated deeply with audiences, highlighting the importance of understanding and support for children from all kinds of families.

This year, Ben returns to Child Talks as co-host alongside Mark the Science Guy. Together, they bring energy, empathy, and enthusiasm to the event — guiding a new group of young speakers as they share their powerful stories and inspire audiences across Ireland.

Mark the Science Guy

Scientist and Broadcaster, Mark Langtry, aka Mark the Science Guy, will host Child Talks.

Mark is the Head of Science at Explorium – Ireland’s National Science Centre. A Theoretical Physicist by background, Mark is a researcher, broadcaster and award-winning educational creator & producer of live educational stage shows and engaging STEM experiences, exhibitions & media.

As a former international athlete, Mark is driven by a passion to ignite the curiosity in people of all ages and to provide everyone with the resources, opportunities and tools to develop their talents and abilities and achieve their potential.

Our Entertainment, MGW Wind Band

MGW Wind Band is a brass and wind ensemble co-ordinated by Music Generation Waterford.

Through the years, the band has grown and play a variety of genres from pop, funk, rock, classical and jazz. Led by Musician Educator Danny Pullman, MGW Wind Band perform indoor concerts, festivals and events in Waterford and beyond: from Spraoi, Summer in the City, Carlow Arts Festival, Culture Night, and trips to Cork, Dublin, Galway.

They have received a Mayoral Reception for their recent trip to Nantes in 2024. Incorporating music from past and present, the band has developed their skills in improvisation and musical expression at the SoundCrowd festival, and collaborate with rock bands in Jam@the Royal. This versatile group of young musicians love to get the party started wherever they are through their love of music!”

Meet Music Generation dlr DJ’s, Finn and Jorja

Finn O’Brien Harte, aka DJ Silt, is a 14 year old DJ from Dublin. Finn is a member of the Dun Laoghaire Jam Hub DJ programme, where he is developing his own style behind the decks.
Jorja Forsyth is a 13 year old DJ from Dublin. She has been developing her DJ skills at the Loughlinstown Jam Hub DJ programme and growing as a young electronic artist.
Music Generation dlr Jam Hub DJ programme is a space for young people to collaborate, learn and make electronic music.

Brad Heidi

Brad Heidi is an exceptional Performer, vocalist, guitarist and songwriter based in Galway.

With a long history of performing from the age of 15, almost 1000 shows later he is adamant to always deliver on a great performance.

From becoming the Artist with the most new followers on TikTok 2022 quickly grew a worldwide fanbase leading to support tours with Billy Joel, James Blunt, Gavin James and is a regular guest for presidential Garden parties at Áras an Uachtaráin.

Tonnes of coverage on UK & Irish Radio on his original music with many becoming independent number 1 radio singles have developed his love for creating.

Events are his forté- performing in Dublin around 40-50 gigs per month he lives to perform.