Discovering greatness within at Foróige youth conference

By Echo Reporter

TWELVE young people from South Dublin have participated in the Foróige Leadership for Life Conference in NUI Maynooth last weekend.

The international youth leadership conference was attended by over 250 young people from across Ireland, the USA, Saudi Arabia and India.

As part of the week-long conference, inspirational lectures were given by RTÉ broadcaster Joe Duffy, fitness guru Pat Divilly and Senator Joan Freeman who founded Pieta House.

The programme also included workshops on team-building, critical thinking, communication skills, along with peer discussions on matters of global importance.

Foróige Chief Executive Seán Campbell said: “Leadership is a singular ability which is vastly important in the modern world and can be learned. It begins with leading oneself.

“Great leadership is grounded in respect and the ability to inspire. These young leaders have been on an amazing journey this week where they have discovered the greatness within themselves and their own unique leadership style.

“This conference gives teenagers from vastly different cultures and backgrounds a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet with one common purpose – the development of our next generation of leaders.”

At the end of the Foróige Leadership for Life Conference, the 250 delegates received certificates of achievement in youth leadership.