More

than 100 young people enrolled on an innovative training and outreach project were honoured last night (Thursday 11th February) for bringing new community leadership and positive change to the Strabane area.

Since 2013, the Strabane AYE (Access Youth Engagement) Project has provided training and support services to assist young people, their families and the wider community to address issues that impact negatively on society.

Supported by the International Fund for Ireland, the project gives people a chance to learn new skills, access practical employment-related training courses and become positive influences within their community. In the last two years, Strabane AYE has assisted 27 participants to secure employment and has been praised for turning young lives around and reducing tensions.

International Fund for Ireland Chairman, Dr Adrian Johnston said:
“The young people involved in this project deserve credit for the achievements that they and this project have made. In recent months, they have taken positive risks and opened the door to new opportunities. It is only right that they and others are supported to realise their individual and community potential.

“There is a need in this area to develop more young leaders and deliver dynamic and innovative peace building work and training opportunities. We had confidence in the ability of Strabane AYE to deliver on these goals and our investment is paying dividends for the people of Strabane, Clady and Glebe. I congratulate all the participants for their commitment and accomplishments.”

The Strabane AYE Project also works with a number of organisations to reduce the risk in the lives of young people and their families. It facilitates a range of support services designed to move vulnerable individuals away from anti-social behaviour, crime, drugs and alcohol abuse.

Teresa Stewart, Strabane AYE Project Coordinator said:
“This project is about equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and competencies to become advocates of change and build a more positive future for themselves and others. Through the project, the local communities have established important new links and participants have begun important conversations around difficult social issues and division.

“We’ve been greatly impressed by how the participants have applied themselves within the programme and proactively within their communities. It is pleasing to see offers of employment coming forward and we believe the strong foundations laid will help transform this area for the better in years to come. This project is about encouraging and challenging everyone in the community to raise their expectations for a brighter future and giving them a role in shaping it.”

In November, the Strabane AYE Project secured an additional £117,064 through the International Fund for Ireland’s Peace Impact Programme which supports community efforts to address sensitive, complex and challenging issues within areas where there have been low levels of engagement in peace building.

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