Foróige Donegal’s annual Citizenship Showcase at the Clanree Hotel highlighted the impressive projects completed by local young people over the past year.
The event took place on Saturday 22nd March at the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny.
Some amazing examples of entrepreneurship were also on display as young people involved in Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) where young people have started businesses including felting and support for young people with additional needs.
A number of inspiring projects including young people bringing music to residents of a community hospital to support the elderly, the residents were very appreciative of the initiative and shared how music helped them “reconnect with fond memories”.
Margaret Larkin, DLDC, Jane McLean Nfte Foróige with young citizenship attendees.
Groups also created surveys to identify the needs of young people including additional safe recreational spaces in their local communities. Lee Gooch, Highland Radio, was MC for the event and brought a high energy to the event.
Speaking at the event, Claire Gavigan, Area manager Foróige, praised the young people for their commitment and hard work; “these young people have shown true leadership and a strong sense of responsibility towards their community and we are very proud of them”.
Garvin Walker, Foróige keeping an eye on the weight lifting competition at Citizenship Showcase
The event was attended by Martin Keeney, Túsla, Councillor Michael McBride, Charles Ward, TD, Margaret Larkin, DLDC, Patrick McGlynn, An Garda Siochana, and Maria Doherty ETB who all said how impressed they were with the projects on display.
Maria Doherty, ETB, commented on how amazing the projects were and how inspirational she found it and was blown away by the calibre of the projects on display.
One young participant shared “being part of this citizenship project has been great, I want to keep making a difference”.
Martin Keeney, Túsla, said how he found the level of project work amazing.
With their passion and dedication, these young citizens proved that the future of the community is in safe hands.
Left to right, Bridget McHugh, Hse, Miriam Ryan, Foróige, Martin Keeney, Túsla, Charles Ward TD, Clodagh Connolly, Maria Doherty, ETB, Margaret Larkin, ETB, Patrick McGlynn, An Garda Siochana, Claire Gavigan Foróige
