Through interactive workshops, creative activities and information sessions, the young people explored this year’s theme, Solidarity and Fairness and how young people can play an active role in creating more inclusive communities.
‘they (youth exchanges) opened my eyes to the outside world and gave me the confidence to explore more and purse a career in the youth and community sector’
Students from St. Mary’s National School celebrate European Youth Week with Limerick Youth Service.
Among participants were 6th Class students from St. Mary’s National School, King’s Island (pictured above) and Thomond Primary School, Ballynanty who took part in a European themed t-shirt making workshop.
Students from Thomond Community College joined their peers from the LYS Youth & Family Support Project, as they shared their experiences on Solidarity and Fairness in a jigsaw workshop.
Young people were also given the opportunity to take part in a badge making workshop and experience a virtual reality youth space with the LYS WorkAbility Project, the latter of which is part of a European project with the Technological University of the Shannon.
The atmosphere throughout the day reflected the energy and creativity of the young people, with participants sharing their ideas, experiences and perspectives on Solidary and Fairness.
Young people with their EU Youthpass at the Northside Youth Space
A special highlight of the event was the presentation of EU YouthPass certificates to young people who participated in two youth exchanges with LYS to France and North Macedonia.
The young people, who are members of the respective LYS Garryowen Youth Together Project and the Diversity Youth Group, were presented with their Youthpass by Cllr. Padraig Reale, a former participant on international youth work programmes.
‘European Youth Week provides an opportunity to celebrate young people, their ideas and their potential’
‘It’s great to see so many young people availing of the many opportunities available with Limerick Youth Service through the Erasmus+ programme,’ said Cllr. Reale as he congratulated the young people in receiving their EU Youthpass.
Cllr. Reale fondly recalled his own participation in two youth exchanges saying, ‘they opened my eyes to the outside world and gave me the confidence to explore more and purse a career in the youth and community sector.’
The EU Youthpass recognises the learning, participation and personal development through youth work and non-formal education activities such as youth exchanges.
Speaking at the event, Fiona O’Grady, LYS CEO said ‘European Youth Week provides an opportunity to celebrate young people, their ideas and their potential.’
‘The theme of solidarity and fairness strongly reflects the values we promote every day through our youth work programmes and it is fantastic to see so many young people engaging in European Youth Week,’ said Fiona.
LYS would like to thank all the young people, youth workers, facilitators and teachers who participated and organised the Our Voice Our Europe event at the Northside Youth Space.
For more information on European Youth Week and international youth work opportunities, please contact the LYS Youth Information Centre at yib@limerickyouthservice.com or call 061-412444.
Established in 2003, European Youth Week is organised by the European Commission to build solidarity and friendship across Europe and promote the many opportunities available to young people.
In Ireland, European Youth Week is supported by Leargas and Eurodesk with more information available at www.leargas.ie and www.eurodesk.ie.
A member of Youth Work Ireland and the Irish Association of Community Training Organisations, LYS remains committed to connecting with young people and supporting them to reach their full potential.
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