Killinarden Junior leaders enjoy Krakow trip

By Jesse Melia

A GROUP from Killinarden Community Council Youth Project’s (KCCYP) junior leader programme recently returned from an eye-opening four-day trip to Krakow, Poland, reports Jesse Melia.

The aim of the trip was to raise the trainee’s critical and social awareness of global human rights issues, with training that explored culture and diversity.

Up to nine youngsters and project leaders, visited several iconic sites around Krakow, including the site of the Jewish quarter and Oskar Schindler’s factory.

The trip culminated with a visit to the site of the Auschwitz concentration camp, with the aim of linking historical events to present human rights issues.

The visit was a culmination of a two-year training programme that covered modules such as communications, leadership training and racism awareness.

Youths will celebrate the completionof the junior leader programme with a graduation ceremony at the Killinarden Community Centre’s annual senior citizens Christmas tea dance on Monday, December 12. 

The trip was possible through fundraising from the KCCYP members, and assistance from the National Youth Council of Ireland’s (NYCI) ‘One World Week’ grant.

One World Week took place between November 12-20, to raise awareness and educate young people on global justice issues.

For the event, youth groups across the country organised activities including quizzes, debates and guest speaker visits.

Valerie Duffy, Development Education Co-ordinator for the NCYI said: “KCCYP’s activity was chosen from among a large volume of high quality applications from all over Ireland.”

Ms Duffy enjoyed seeing KCCYP participate in One World Week.