Young people complete their youth leadership programme with HURT

2018... Derry Girl Saoirse Monica Jackson (Erin) visiting National Lottery funded HURT (Have Your Tomorrows) family support group with from left, staff members Tina Burns, Sadie O’Reilly and Pauline McCloskey.

This project secured funding through the EU’s PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body and delivered through DCSDC Youth19 initiative, focused on young people.

A spokesperson for HURT said: “Participants completing the programme obtained a Level 3 Award in Education and Training as well as an OCN Level 2 in Equality and Diversity.

“This training will equip our young people and future leaders with leadership skills to further develop their careers and opportunities in youth work and community leaders.”

Aaron, one of the young people who completed the programme, said the course definitely helped with my conversational skills.

“As part of the training I had to design and deliver a presentation which I had to present in front of a group. This experience has boosted my confidence and has increased my interpersonal skills,” he said.

“Unless I had the support from the funders, I would have been unable to afford this qualification so I am very appreciative of that.

“The course helped build my leadership skills and this knowledge will be good for my interest in teaching, youth work and the world of employment. I would definitely encourage others to do it and would recommend this programme.”

Thanking the HURT facilitators and funders for providing the opportunity to engage in the learning and for the long-lasting friendships made during the programme, Aaron said that he hoped he could eventually work in the field of youth or community work as he now recognises the value of youth programmes such as the Youth Leadership Programme.

HURT said they would like to thank all the participants for taking part and the funders Peace IV, SEUPB and DCSDC for investing in these programmes to provide opportunities for the young people in the North West.

The PEACE IV Programme is supported by the European Union, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Match-funding has been provided by the Executive Office in Northern Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development in Ireland.