Participants are pictured alongside IFI Board Member Allen McAdam and Project Coordinator Olivia Smith at the HURT celebration event in Derry
The programme, aimed at offering opportunities to young people in areas including Creggan, Bogside, Gobnascale, The Fountain, Brandywell/Bogside, Irish Street and Kilfennan.
The International Fund for Ireland funds the programme managed by HURT, a voluntary organisation established in 2002.
A two-year programme, the personal youth development project engages young people aged 18-27 not in employment, education or training.
It is specially designed to give participants the means and knowhow to take better control of their lives by improving confidence, self-esteem and employability.
The group has engaged in a range of accredited and non-accredited training over the past year and received their record of achievement during the event.
Allen McAdam, International Fund for Ireland Board Member said: “The young people deserve credit for the achievements they have made through the Live to Learn project.
“It is important to mark this half way point in the project, recognise the great work that has been done both by the group and by those who have committed to taking part – who have taken that first step to changing their lives for the better.
“It’s obviously been a difficult few weeks for the city, particularly the people of Creggan but we have seen how much it has brought people together, recognising there is still much needed work to be done to protect our young people.
“The Live to Learn project tackles issues like anti-social behaviour, alcohol, drugs and mental health and provides young people with practical ways to improve their prospects.
“During this difficult time the consistency in these type of projects will be vital”.
Olivia Smith, Live to Learn Project Coordinator said: “This event was about recognising how far these young people have come in their journey with ‘Live to Learn’ and prepare them for the next step.
“The project allows participants to meet likeminded people who want to make a difference to their own lives and the lives of those around them while understanding and respecting their individual differences.”
Funding to the Live to Learn Project was provided through the International Fund for Ireland’s Personal Youth Development Programme, which is managed by Rural Action.
Have Your Tomorrows (HURT) is a voluntary charitable organisation providing holistic care, advice, education, support, treatment to encourage healing, and recovery from drug and alcohol misuse.
HURT treatment centre offers a confidential, non-judgmental approach to those affected by dependency and addiction.
