The Letterkenny Youth Information Centre at Donegal Youth Service and youth workers from Czech Republic enjoyed a priceless learning experience together during a recent visit.
The group of 10 Czech youth workers were on a study visit to Donegal representing the organisations Decko Nachod, Déčko – DDM Rychnov nad Kněžnou and MěDDM Sluníčko.
The group spent their visit shadowing jobs in the Youth Information Centre (YIC) and working on the principles and good practices of youth work in Ireland. The YIC team paid particular attention to providing information about Cyberbullying and Internet Safety, which is one of their areas of expertise.
They also focused on the advantaged of being part of networks like Youth Work Ireland, Eurodesk and ERYICA, as well as activities throughout the week working on the importance of inclusion and equality and youth work ethos. In return, the Czech Youth Workers also delivered a dancing and a mindful art workshop to the YIC team.
Letterkenny Youth Information Officer Katarzyna Kurzeja was the project coordinator for the 5 day visit.
She said: “Working side by side with youth workers from other countries always open our eyes: we can see different styles of work, various methodologies in approaching the same problems and challenges, but first of all we learn from each other. And that type of informal learning is truly priceless, both for us and young people we are working with. We hope to get more partnerships with organisations across Europe in a future.”
The study visit was funded by the EU Erasmus+ Programme which gives many opportunities for young people, as well as professionals to develop their skills. The Letterkenny Youth Information Centre provide a confidential service for young people and those that work with them. Find out what they can do for you. Call 074 91 29630, pop in to 16-18 Port Road Monday-Friday from 12-6pm with your queries.
