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November 25, 2019

Nordic Adventure for NorthsideTeens

Our New Nordic New Year

An intrepid group of young people from Limerick Youth Service recently returned from an unforgettable adventure to Finnish city of Kuopio where they shouted ‘YELL Yhdessä!’

The teenagers, who are members of LYS’ Northside Youth Space, were in Finland for the concluding part YELL Yhdessä, an international youth exchange between LYS and Kuopiob Kaupunki.

‘YELL stands for Youth Empowerment Looks at Limerick while Yhdessä is the Finnish word for together hence, YELL Yhdessä!’ explained Stacey Lyons, LYS.

‘The youth exchange focused on leadership and the involvement of young people in their local community as well as capturing and promoting the positive contribution of young people,’ said Stacey Lyons, LYS.

Exploring the frozen north

As part of the youth exchange the teenagers took part in a variety of workshops that focused on leadership, community and the role of young people in shaping their futures.

‘We also experienced various features of Finnish culture such as their famed cuisine which included a Nordic BBQ with reindeer,’ said Stacey who was keen to point out that Rudolph is still quite safe!

The young people also experienced some of Finland’s favourite sports such as ice-hockey, snowboarding, skiing and pesäpello which is similar to baseball.

Stacey was full of praise for the Limerick teens who went ‘were excellent ambassadors for LYS and Limerick and participated and took the lead in many of the workshops.’

‘The youth exchange was an amazing experience with many of our group still talking about it and planning to return in the near future,’ smiled Stacey.

Stacey thanked the young people, volunteers and staff at LYS and Kuopiob Kaupunk for their contribution to the YELL Yhdessä youth exchange.

International youth work is a key feature of LYS strategic plan and offers young people an opportunity to experience different cultures and traditions while sharing aspects of their own.

Éire & Suomi!

YELL Yhdessä is an EU Erasmus+ accredited international youth work programme that is supported by Léargas.

A member of Youth Work Ireland, LYS remains committed to connecting with young people and supporting them to reach their full potential.

ENDS####