Write a commentA Newry based project involving young people from the Clanrye Group has been so successful in its first year that the International Fund for Ireland has offered it an additional £287K.
The Re-Gener8 Project launched last November with just over eighty thousand pounds. The 12-month Project has supported 11 individuals aged 16-25 to explore cultural identity, personal development, good relations, skills and employment opportunities.
As part of the initiative, young people worked together to identify a social issue that they could help address. Teaming up with the Crossfire Trust, they renovated a mobile unit that can act as a respite area for those availing of temporary emergency accommodation. A number of participants have also used the skills and experiences gained to secure employment.
The success of the project has encouraged the International Fund for Ireland to award an additional £287,351 to extend and expand the initiative for two years. The latest funding will enable many current participants to undertake additional employability activities and will see 15 more people enrol.
Siobhan Fitzpatrick, International Fund for Ireland Board Member said “The young people involved in this project deserve credit for the achievements they have made through the Re-Gener8 Project. It is opening new pathways to learning, training and employment and helping turn young lives around. This project has successfully enabled people to reassess and take active steps to improve their prospects. We are very pleased to support it for another two years and I congratulate all the participants for accomplishments to date. The Fund was created to enable younger generations to shape a better, more peaceful society and projects like this are critical to make our aim a reality.”
Dara O’Hagan, Re-Gener8 Project Coordinator said “We’re addressing issues that deeply affect the lives of young people and equipping them with the knowledge, skills and competencies to build a more positive future for themselves and others. We’ve been impressed by how each participant has applied themselves within the project and within their communities. They’ve challenged and encouraged each other to keep taking brave steps forward and continually raise their aspirations.
“In the next two years we’ll be extending and expanding our work to involve more young people in Newry, Armagh and wider areas. We’re looking forward to enabling more people to raise expectations for themselves and claiming a stronger role within their community.”
Funding to Re-Gener8 Project was provided through the International Fund for Ireland’s Personal Youth Development Programme which is managed by the Rural Development Council.
