LOCAL young people have the chance to take on the role of youth leaders thanks to two new training opportunities being delivered through the Peace IV programme in support of Youth 19.
The courses will be led by Derry City and Strabane District Council and delivered by local advice service HURT, with support from the PEACE IV fund managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
The PEACE IV Youth Leadership Programme and the LEAD Programme are completely free, and will equip participants with the relevant skills needed to create and lead community projects.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor John Boyle, said the programmes would pave the way for any young person with aspirations in the community sector.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for local young people to pick up a range of new skills that will assist them in working within local communities,” he stressed.
“These Peace IV programmes will support Youth 19’s objective to offer the support and opportunities local young people need to pursue their ambitions in a range of fields, by identifying their shared interests and goals.
“The programme itself aims to engage and empower young people and involve them in every aspect of creating a programme that is relevant and useful with the potential to significantly improve youth culture here in Derry and Strabane.
“I would really encourage young people to consider the benefits these training opportunities could offer.”
The PEACE IV Youth Leadership Programme is open to young people aged 18 to 25 who want to take on a community role, and the scheme will be fully accredited.
Participants will receive an award in Education and Training, taking six weeks, and Equality and Diversity in Youth Work, taking 20 weeks.
HURT will also deliver a dedicated training programme for younger people aged 13 to 17 with an interest in community leadership.
The LEAD Project runs over six months, comprising a six week accredited OCN Leadership Training programme, followed by workshops, a trip to Stormont, day trips, a two day residential and team building activities.
Participants will have the chance to come up with new ideas for community projects and lead on their delivery. The programme will conclude with a special celebration and a podcast production for Youth 19 podcast.
Head of Community Development and Leisure with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Barry O’Hagan, said:
“It’s fantastic to be able to offer young people opportunities to obtain official accreditation in community leadership which could possibly set them on the right course to a career.
“We’ve had really useful feedback from our local young people and we will continue to work closely with them and towards realising the ambitions of the Strategic Growth Plan and its commitment to improving the welfare of young people across Derry and Strabane.”
A special registration event for the Youth Leadership training course will take place on Tuesday February 12 at the head office of HURT at 6.30 pm.
Registration for the LEAD course will take place in the same venue on Saturday, February 16 at 12 noon.
To sign up for the PEACE IV leadership courses contact HURT [email protected] or 02871369696 and for further information on how you can engage with the Youth 19 programme go to www.youth19.com
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