The ‘Pro-Social’ programme recently held a closing event for their Garage Project.
The unique Pro-Social programme is designed to work with those who have come before the courts as the direct result, or consequence of, their driving behaviour.
The closing event of their Garage Project took place online via Zoom on Wednesday, January 27.
The project was aimed at young males and females – aged in the 14 to 25 bracket – with an interest in cars, and at those who may be regarded as being at risk as a result of their driving behaviour.
It brought 73 young people from a range of diverse backgrounds together to work on cars.
The young people worked, talked, and learned new skills over their five weeks in The Garage, with their tutor, mechanic Denis Ferry and body repair expert, Leslie O’Donnell.
There was an important safety message delivered each week, focusing on the outcomes of losing control of an altered car, and about the importance of good driving behaviour and the consequences of poor behaviour on the road.
The course also had a team-building and personal development aspect – Donegal Youth Service were the facilitators in relation to this.
This Garage Project formed part of Donegal County Council’s €5.5m Local Authority Action Plan.
This Action Plan is funded through the EU’s PEACE IV Programme, which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
Match-funding has been provided by the Executive Office in Northern Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development in Ireland.