Strive is a partnership programme that brought disadvantaged young people from diverse community backgrounds together to promote change in themselves and their local communities. Over the past four years young people, from both sides of the border, have worked togetherto set their own learning agenda around the themes of citizenship, personal development and good relations.
The success of this youth work programme has been its focus on supporting young people to set the direction, pace and content of their programme and it has proved highly successful with over 800 young people aged 14 to 24 years old from a wide range of backgrounds taking part to date.
Strive has been supported by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) to the value of €3,979,780. Matchfunding has been provided by The Department for the Economy and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Ireland.Commenting on the project Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA, said:
“It is vital that we support our young people in these challenging times and I would like to thank the Strive partnership for the important role they have played in this. The project has had a positive impact on all the young people who have participated in the programme. The new skills they have developed will not only help them to enhance their career prospects and realise their potential but will also help to form positive relationships with others. Each and every one should be proud of the work put into this programme and I wish you all every success in the future.”
Minister O’Gorman, from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Ireland, said: “Strive has made a measurable difference in the lives of the young people who have participated in it. The skills and experience that they have gained through taking part will stay with them for life, broadening their horizons and enriching their lives and their contribution to their communities.”
Speaking about the impact of the project, Gina McIntyre, CEO of the Special EU Programmes Body said: “Despite not having direct experience of the troubles/conflict, many of our young people grow up in segregated communities, unable to mix with others from a different background out of mistrust and fear or, because they have not been afforded the opportunities to do so. Many will suffer from psychological trauma, passed down from previous generations, which only serves to deepen division, encourage mistrust and increase tensions.The EU’s PEACE IV Programme is helping to ensure that young people have the
ability to reach their full potential and maximise their contribution to a more cohesive society. The success of the Strive project demonstrates the need to create opportunities that allow young people to develop their confidence, gain new understanding and skills and share this new insight with their friends, family and local community. It took a real personal act of courage for Strive’s young beneficiaries to take part and I
applaud their commitment and willingness to act as agents of positive change.”
Speaking about the success of the programme Strive Programme Manager for Include Youth, Dearbhla Holohan said: “Strive brings together five partner organisations –Include Youth, Newstart Education Centre, NI Alternatives, Youth Initiatives, and Lifford Clonleigh Resource Centre. The last four years have shown us what can be achieved when a range of youth and community organisations work together to share resources and expertise. We have offered a platform for young people from across the province to develop meaningful and lasting relationships that ultimately contribute to building more peaceful and prosperous communities.
With over 800 young people involved in the programme over the past four years, all those involved, including the 27 strong staff team and a group of young volunteers known as our ‘Experts by Experience’ have all learned and developed so much, and had many fantastic experiences along the way.
Everyone involved will have their own highlights be that meeting new people, exploring new places, or making each other laugh with ridiculous games and challenges during lockdown. My personal highlights have been the times where our Strive groups have responded to challenges within their communities by providingthoughtful and practical solutions, including organising events and fundraisers.
This work would not have been possible without the support of the SEUPB under the PEACE IV programme, and the match funding being provided by the Irish government’s Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and the Northern Ireland Executive that has made delivery across the seven Strive sites possible.”
Speaking about their time on the project, a young participant stated: “Strive helped me with my confidence, speaking out, doing things you wouldn’t have usually have done because you it was in a safe environment. The programme made me more assertive. This experience has helped me with going for jobs, being a leader, building new skills.”
Strive celebrated its achievements at an event on 7 October at the Meadowbank Sports Facility, Magherafelt.
