250 teenagers from around the world gathered in Maynooth University for Foróige’s Leadership for Life Youth Conference recently. The conference, which was launched at the end of July, brings together young people to learn the skills and confidence to become leaders in their own lives and communities. During the week-long conference the teens learn crucial life skills such as empathy, decision making, problem solving, communication skills, critical thinking and team work.
Seán Campbell, CEO of Foróige, said “Leadership for Life is a circuit-breaker programme and can truly be life-changing for young people. This conference gives them the chance to not just learn from expert speakers and facilitators, but also to develop themselves and grow with each other in a fun and relaxed environment. Year on year I’m amazed by what young people can achieve when given the chance and the support. Every young person deserves to be able to access programmes like this.”
Niamh, aged 17 from County Monaghan, said “I have been looking forward to this week ever since I found out that I was given a place. I am so excited to get to meet so many new people from lots of different Foróige backgrounds. The Leadership for Life programme is in my opinion one of the best ways for young people to learn about things such as independence, self involvement and communication, while also making memories that will last a lifetime.”
As part of the week-long conference, the delegates will meet inspirational guest speakers including:
- Joanne O’Riordan: Joanne is a renowned disability activist, and one of seven living people born with Tetra-amelia syndrome, a disorder characterised by the absence of all four limbs. She was named Young Person of the Year at Ireland’s People of the Year Awards 2012 and appears in the 2013 documentary No Limbs No Limits. Joanne is now studying law full time.
- Cllr Mark Duffy: Mark Duffy is an independent county councillor serving as Mayo’s youngest representative. A former Mayor of Ballina, Mark had the honour of welcoming President Biden during his homecoming visit to the town in front of a 27,000 strong crowd.
- Zbyszek Zalinski: As Diversity & Inclusion Lead in RTÉ, Zbyszek Zalinski helps RTÉ better reflect the Ireland of today – among those who make the programmes and support our different services, as well as those who appear on them.
- Seán Ronayne: Seán is an ornithologist, wildlife sound recordist, and environmental activist hailing from Cork, Ireland. He holds degrees in Zoology, Marine Biology, and Ecological Impact Assessment from University College Cork (UCC). His documentary Birdsong recently premiered in Irish cinemas and was shown on RTÉ1.
Pictured: Back row Joshua Maher, Hillary Arian Reynaga, Rowan O’Reilly, Demi Lee Harvey, Alix Brady.
Front row Conor Trappe, Ash Kennedy, Ciara Conroy, Alica Kellet, Tj Hannify.
Pic credit: Julien Behal
