YCW Youth Forum - 24th of May 2008
Speak for yourself
YCW Annual Youth Forum - 2008
What was the Youth Forum about?
The purpose of this event was to bring young people between the ages of 17-23 to reflect on issues such as young people in:
- Community
- Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco
- Work
- Religious Diversity
- Education
- Leisure
- Getting Involved
These topics are part of a new multimedia resource which will be launched later this year.
YCW as a movement hoped to create a platform for young people to have their say on how these issues affect them and show that by working together, we can really make a difference and go someway to influencing the relevant bodies, agencies and Government who ultimately make decisions about such things.
Outcomes
On the day young people had the opportunity to attend various working groups and discuss how they feel about the particular topics and explore possible actions for change. This is what the young people had to say about the different topics discussed:
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Brainstorming time! Francis Gorman, Lorcan Hayden & Nicola Mulroy |
Community
- Discussed how young people are looked down upon, especially by older members of their communities; stereotyping
- Young people would like to take a positive role in their local area
- "We are the future"
- Every young person deserves to have a voice within the community, in an organised way
Religion
- Would like to get better education on other religions, acts of faith
- How being brought up to believe in a certain religion affects us
- Bringing together different faiths would be great
Work
- What is the difference between a job and a career?
- It is hard to find a job you love
- Work comes into every conversation
- Work affects social life
- Is career guidance good enough to give you an idea for a future career?
Education
- Better career guidance in schools is needed
- Too young to decide on a career
- School work experience to be longer than 2 weeks and more diverse
- Find out what work is / what you have the aptitude for
- Set up Careers Day - like in US schools
Action plan
Niamh Kavanagh |
What can YCW do?
- Issue an Information Booklet based on the Youth Forum, for the participants and the relevant agencies and Government Departments (Department of Education and Science and Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)
- Create a survey for young people
- Work alongside with schools
- Create a Street survey "Rural versus Urban"
Evaluation of the Youth Forum from participants
What the participants liked
The group of young people who attended liked the group discussions, using small groups to discuss issues, meeting new people. The Youth Forum got them thinking and made them feel like they can make a difference, which was great. Learning other people's views on the topics discussed was also really good.
What did they dislike?
The group did not dislike anything on the day. The young people had lots to say, but not enough time to say it.
Noumou Traore & Merila Newell |
What would you like YCW to do for you?
The YCW is more than helpful, and makes you feel that your point is valid. The YCW could help raise awareness in the local community on relevant issues, help make a difference, help groups express their views, organise trips away.
Would you like to learn more about YCW?
Yes, participants all wanted to learn more about YCW. Jenny Casey, YCW Development Worker, gave an overview of YCW and the YCW Youth Programmes.
Would you like to become involved in setting up a group in your area?
The young people all replied yes, they would love to set up groups in the local areas, however they will have to find time.
Participants at the Youth Forum were all very happy they came along, it was a very enjoyable day, brilliant day, really helpful!
Youth Forum Poster
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Download "Speak for yourself" poster PDF file - 1 |