Young people recognised at awards night

After almost three years absence  Ballyfermot Youth Service were able to hold an in person  awards  night for young people in the Ballyfermot Community Civic Centre.

Over 100  young people attended  and there were awards in various categories; Adventure Sports, Arts, Music, Health  and the European Youth Pass Cert   for taking part in Erasmus+ programmes Exchanges.

Youthpass is a European recognition instrument for identifying and documenting learning outcomes that are acquired in projects under the Erasmus+ Youth and the European Solidarity Corps programmes.

Over 80 young people were awarded this cert in 2022.

Youthpass promotes individual reflection and awareness about learning and helps to make learning outcomes visible for the learners themselves as well as for others.

It aims to reinforce reflective practices in youth work and solidarity activities, thereby enhancing their quality and recognition.

It also supports the continued pathways of young people and youth workers, and raises visibility of the value of European engagement.

Manager of BYS Gerry Mc Carthy said: “It’s important to recognise the huge positive contribution  young people make to the community from looking after the skatepark to creating huge arts events such as the recent Halloween and Summer Festivals  in Ballyfermot and fantastic murals throughout the area.

“In 2022 the Erasmus + projects have seen over 138 young people from Ballyfermot travelling throughout  Europe  discovering cultures  and expanding  their experiences.

“In our adventure centre we are particularly proud that we are currently  training   a number of young people  to be Outdoor Education    instructors.

“They have passed their exams in Power boating, High Diving  and emergency first aid and are now completing their Kayaking instructors level course.”

The chairman of BYS Cllr Vincent Jackson  along with members of the management committee Mary Daly (Retired  Principal of St Dominics) and Janice Mc Garry  from DPS and Clara Gearny from Ballyfermot Drugs and Alcohol Task Force were on hand to present the award’s .