“Voting Age Reduction Would be Welcome but why Not Include Young People in the Constitutional Convention Process” Says Leading Youth Organisation

Youth Work Ireland has welcomed the Government announcement that change may be coming in relation to the voting age although it believes the age should come down to 16. However the Youth Organisation, which represents 22 local voluntary youth services, has said the Government should explicitly include young people in the Constitutional Convention including those under 18 and has said that with proper support this group would have a lot to offer in a process that would profoundly affect their future.

“The Constitutional Convention is a major programme of change that could impact on our country years in to the future. It appears from today’s announcement that there could be change in relation to the voting age and this would broadly be welcome. However, most campaigners have sought a reduction to the age of 16. Similarly introducing different types of change in a sequential basis may not be the best way of proceeding. Most of all if this process is to assist in creating a better situation for young people in Ireland the Convention itself should include them in a full and equal way, this remains unclear.” Said Michael Mc Loughlin of Youth Work Ireland

“There are clearly a number of other relevant issues that the convention should address in this area. The age for standing and voting in elections is inconsistent and the age to stand for President is set way to high at 35. The Government does not need a referendum or Convention to; for example, change the age to stand in local or European elections so this could be brought in straight away, particularly to see how it works. So while the convention and changes to the voting age would be welcome a lot more needs to be looked at relating to constitutional change for young people.” Mc Loughlin added

ENDS
Contact: Michael Mc Loughlin 01-8584500
322 words

The Minister also heard from young people lobbying for a Youth Café in Monaghan and was presented with a Youth Work Ireland Monaghan pack which included  findings for the need for a Youth Café

Emma presents the Minister with a Youth Work Ireland Monaghan pack
with findings for need of youth cafe.

Heather Humpreys, Sean Conlon, Eaden Campell, Minister Frances Fitzgerald,
Mary Lynch, Ciara, Tommy Maguire and Gina Casey

The Minister browses around youth cafe displays with Mary Lynch, RD Youth Work Ireland Monaghan

For more information contact Youth Work Ireland Monaghan

View More Photos>>

The event also provided access for participants to a range of local & regional facilitators of the arts, should they wish to engage them personally at a later date, for specific work with their own youth groups.

A group of volunteers enjoying the Brief Interventions Workshop

It was also an opportunity for participants to forge links or create alliances with other like minded youth workers in order to work in partnership in the future on an arts based theme or project.

Over 50 volunteers participants on the day, who will now return to over 30 youth clubs & projects excited, enriched and invigorated about sharing their newly acquired arts skills.

Deirdre Duggan enjoying the Junk Art Workshop

Kerry Diocesan Youth Service offers a range of personal, social, recreational & educational programmes to young people throughout Kerry & parts of West Cork. Many of these programmes are organised, driven and resourced by voluntary youth workers who are supported & trained by paid staff.

In turn the organisation supports staff & volunteers through the provision of a comprehensive annual training programme relevant to the emerging needs of young people & those who work with them. KDYS values the arts, as an important tool, in the delivery of appropriate responses to the needs of young people
KDYS SkillShop is supported by the Kerry Education Service.

“European Commission Should Ensure Ireland Has a Youth Employment Plan Following Visit Beginning Today” says Leading Youth Organisation

Ireland needs to put in place a strategy on Youth Unemployment following a visit from the European Commission arriving today according to Youth Work Ireland a leading youth organisation whose members provide a range of training, education and support for early school leaves and young job seekers. The group has said that Ireland can no longer drift along on this important issue given the level of youth unemployment and associated emigration. Youth Work Ireland has urged a forthcoming EU Commission delegation to meet with youth organisations and young unemployed people.

“It is encouraging that the EU is looking to play a more robust role given the lack of progress on this crucial issue. There is also some funding on the table, now more than ever our Government needs to step up and develop a real and effective youth employment strategy. We are urging the Government to revisit all training and education measures, internships, relief work schemes and any other measures which impact in this area. The forthcoming EU delegation on the topic really needs to delve in to the figure for young people not involved in education, employment or training. They also need to get an understanding of the Irish emigration situation which does not necessarily accord with the EU pro mobility position” said Michael Mc Loughlin from Youth Work Ireland

“We all know unemployment is the number one issue in Irish society today but youth unemployment needs special attention as nobody wants to see a whole generation cast aside during this recession. If young people drift into long term unemployment in substantial numbers it may be hard to rescue that situation when any recovery occurs. It is also relatively easier to target young people for education and training measures during the recession as they are closer to the education and training system. We also need to see young people as a resource for example in starting new smart tech companies in new economic areas. These measures can generally be achieved quite cheaply if social welfare savings are applied in keeping these young people off the dole queues” said Michael Mc Loughlin of Youth Work Ireland

ENDS
372 words
Contact: Michael Mc Loughlin 01-8584500

There are an estimated 30,000 undocumented migrants including children and families living in Ireland.  They have become deeply rooted within Irish communities.  They often live under tremendous stress and fear, are vulnerable to exploitation and excluded from basic services.  Most are cut off from their families similar to the Irish undocumented in the United States.

We need your help to call on  the Minister for Justice to provide a solution to this situation by introducing an Earned Regularisation Scheme which would give undocumented people a window of opportunity to come forward and legalise their immigration status.

Sponsored by the Migrants Rights Centre Ireland

Sign the Petition here>>

Short funny shadow puppet movie made by ‘Arts for All’ in Youth Work Ireland Cork, Gurranabraher. Great story based on learning to share from a higher force. Take a look

Please check with your local Social Protection Office to check your eligibility. The rate of remuneration is determined by Department of Social Protection.

For information on the Treo Nua Project please contact Sylwia at treonua@youthworkgalway.ie and for an application form please contact Noreen at ce.supervisor@youthworkgalway.ie

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 8th March.

This is an opportunity to gain experience in youth justice work and may suit someone with previous experience of working with young people in a paid or voluntary capacity. Our progression rate for CE Participants into employment, training or further education is excellent.

Youth Work Ireland Galway is an equal opportunities employer.

Need some quite time to study and the library is full??

We have 3 big study rooms available for single or group study, it is all supervised by Youth Work Ireland Galway staff, there is also Internet access for research if needed.

The best thing is its all FREE all years welcome!

Friday evenings from 3.30pm to 5.30pm

The East Galway Project is located beside d’CUBE in Ballinasloe town.  It works with young people both in Ballinasloe town and rural East Galway. The project is funded by Youth Affairs Section of the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs with support provided by FAS.

For more information call Olive 087 7707775 at Youth work Ireland Galway, Ballinasloe.

Check out the great photos and project run by Ossory Youth>>

If you would like to get involved in any activities or programmes in Ossory Youth or would like to volunteer, contact any staff member or check out our website see below.

Our Mission: To widen opportunities for young people to participate in a manner that positively contributes to their lives and well being To promote, develop and maintain effective working partnerships as a means of ensuring quality youth work provision in the region. To build an organisation of staff, volunteers and young people that work together in a manner that is flexible, innovative and committed to the highest standards of youth work practice.

Tel: 056 7761200

www.ossoryyouth.com

http://www.facebook.com/OssoryYouth

Have fun and get lots done at the KDYS, SUPERVISED HOMEWORK SUPPORT GROUP on Wednesdays in a space where young people can do their homework in a quiet, supportive setting with other students.

WHERE                KDYS, Killarney
WHEN                  4 – 5.30pm
FOR WHO           5^th, 6^th Class & 1^st year students
COST                    €2 per week for 8 weeks or €15 paid in Full from the 8^th February – 28^th March incl.

Only 12 places available, so please book early Application forms available from reception, KDYS Killarney or contact Caroline, KDYS Killarney 064 66 31748.