Meet the partner: Keely Matsusaki

About Keely Matsusaki:

Keely Matsusaki is a third-year medical student at the University of Limerick. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Science from Dalhousie University. Originally from Chatham, Ontario, Canada, she brings the perspective of her rural upbringing to her academic and professional pursuits. Keely is involved with the Interreg Volunteer Youth (IVY) programme as a Project Partner, contributing to communication, cooperation, and youth engagement across European Territorial Cooperation initiatives. Through this role, she supports cross-border collaboration, helps broaden public understanding of Interreg’s impact, and encourages greater youth participation in solidarity-driven projects.

About Interreg Volunteer Youth:

Interreg Volunteer Youth (IVY) is an initiative of the European Commission that offers young  people the opportunity to contribute to positive change through solidarity and cross-border cooperation. IVY volunteers work alongside local and regional partners to address shared challenges throughout Europe and its neighbouring regions, helping to develop and implement meaningful solutions. The programme empowers young people to actively support European Territorial Cooperation while gaining valuable experience, skills, and insight into the impact of collaborative action.

How IVY Contributes to the NPA SelfCare Project:

The NPA SelfCare project aims to strengthen self-management of health and wellbeing in rural communities, where challenges, such as limited service access and reduced system capacity, prevent people from receiving appropriate care. As an IVY project partner with the University of Limerick team, Keely supports this initiative by contributing to its community-engagement projects. These efforts align strongly with IVY’s goals of promoting solidarity, strengthening community collaboration and increasing the impact of European Territorial Cooperation projects. By supporting the development of culturally appropriate, community-informed intervention, Keely’s IVY role supports the goals of SelfCare while advancing positive societal change and cross-border cooperation.

Learn more

To know more about the University of Limerick School of Medicine:
University of Limerick School of Medicine Website