McDonald’s in Donegal is supporting the local social enterprise Spraoi agus Spórt as part of its new Youth Opportunity Ireland programme.
In partnership with the Irish Youth Foundation, McDonald’s is providing funding to Spraoi agus Spórt, which is located in Carndonagh, Inishowen, as part of a nationwide skills and employment initiative.
McDonald’s Youth Opportunity Ireland programme, which was launched earlier this year, is providing €200,000 to youth organisations across Ireland. The programme will enable these groups to deliver specialised training and mentorship opportunities for 2,000 young people by 2023.
The community-focused McDonald’s Youth Opportunity Ireland programme is supporting young people between the ages of 15 and 24 nationally, who are experiencing disadvantage and aims to empower them with the skills, training and mentorship they need to access the employment market.
In the first year of the programme, the funding will enable 13 grassroots youth organisations across Ireland to deliver targeted youth employability programmes. Spraoi agus Spórt, was selected to receive funding in the programme’s first year.
Spraoi agus Spórt provide services and activities for young families, children, young people, and adults that are inclusive of disability and/or autism.
Helen Nolan of SpraoI agus Sport with Victor Byrne of McDonalds at the launch of the Youth Opportunity Ireland programme. (NW Newspix)
The funding will enable Spraoi agus Spórt to engage with young people identified as not in education or employment through its ‘Digital Creative Makers’ programme. This project will give young people opportunities to develop their digital literacy skills and improve their employment prospects.
Speaking about the McDonald’s Youth Opportunity Ireland programme, Helen Nolan from Spraoi agus Spórt said: “At Spraoi agus Spórt we work closely with the young people in Donegal to give them the support and training they need to enter the jobs market.
“The funding we have received from the McDonalds Youth Opportunity Programme is crucial, as it enables us to reach more young people in our community.”
Richard McNamara, McDonald’s Donegal Franchisee, commented, “McDonald’s is passionate about providing training and development opportunities to its people. That is why we have established the McDonald’s Youth Opportunity Ireland programme with the Irish Youth Foundation.
“Spraoi agus Spórt does exceptional work with young people in Donegal and I have seen first-hand the impact that this has had. McDonald’s is delighted to be supporting them.”
Lucy Masterson, Chief Executive, Irish Youth Foundation said, “Our research has found that almost one-in-five young people are not currently in education, employment or training. We want to ensure that young people are provided with opportunities to upskill and take advantage of training and mentorship programmes.
“Through the McDonald’s Youth Opportunity Ireland programme, we will be able to support the work of dedicated youth organisations across the country targeting the most at-risk and hard-to-reach young people.”
