250 teenagers from around the world gathered for Foróige’s Leadership for Life Youth Conference. The conference, which was launched on the grounds of NUI Maynooth, brings together young people from the USA, Ukraine, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, South Africa and Ireland to learn how to become leaders in their own lives. During the week-long conference the teens learned crucial life skills such as empathy, decision making, communication skills, critical thinking and team-work.
Seán Campbell, CEO of Foróige, said “It’s so important for this event to be back again in person. The conference gives young leaders the opportunity to not only learn from the speakers and facilitators, but to learn from each other in a fun and safe environment. Young people are playing a greater role than ever before in highlighting the issues that really matter and youth activism and community action are central pillars of our Leadership programme. I’m always in awe of what young people can achieve when given the opportunity.”
TJ Hannify, 15 from Goatstown said “I’m so excited to be starting my leadership journey! I feel so privileged to be here, it’s such a great opportunity to spend the week learning from each other and the amazing speakers!”
When asked about speaking at this year’s event Yemi Adenuga commented, “As a woman who is very passionate about building women and young people, I am always thankful for every opportunity to inspire, empower and impact the youth so their future can be brighter and their lives better than ours.”
Jordan Lee explained how important it is for young people to learn from each other “My story is one of resilience, perseverance and determination, I’m looking forward to speaking to these young leaders and give them a detailed insight into my life story and what I’ve learnt from my experiences to help people learn to thrive in perceived difficult circumstances and be able to achieve their goals”
Professor Mark Brennan stated “I’m very excited and honoured to have been invited to be part of the Foróige leadership conference. After a few years away during Covid, it’ll be amazing to see young people back where they belong: Being active leaders for positive social change.”
Pictured left to right; Nicole McMahon, Aaron Curtis, Sean McCabe, TJ Hannify, Rose Duke Keegan, Liam Scott, Anna Finnegan, Julia Tynan, Alicia Mongan
