Through this Programme, young people uncover the essence of leadership and develop essential skills. Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, and self-awareness are all tools that empower them to make a real and lasting impact in their communities and beyond.
The Foróige Leadership for Life Programme has brought a new perspective and energy to the students of the school. The Programme gives the young people the chance to be curious, to learn from each other and to see that they are the next generation of leaders for our country. The impact the Programme has already had on our school community has been amazing. – Will Harding, Old Bawn Community School, Dublin
About Leadership for Life
Developed in 2009, Foróige’s Leadership for Life Programme is unique in that it is accredited by both the University of Galway and Queen’s University Belfast. On completion of all three modules of the Programme, young people have the opportunity to graduate with a Foundation Certificate in Youth Leadership and Community Action, with associated academic credits that go towards a third level qualification.
Outcomes of the Leadership for Life Programme
The programme enables young people to:
- Identify their strengths
- Develop a leadership vision
- Understand their leadership style
- Explore the challenges and difficulties of leadership
- Develop clear communication skills
- Explore local, national and global issues
- Apply methods of conflict resolution
- Practice problem solving and critical thinking skills as part of a group
- Identify goals and a vision for their future and develop action plans
- Complete a project
Evaluation of the Programme
We conducted research to determine how effective Leadership for Life was at meeting its objectives. This evaluation took place over 2011-2013. It involved a total group of 431 young people. They were made up of 264 who completed the programme and 164 who were a comparison group.
For each participant, measures were taken of leadership skills, life skills, resilience, empathy and social support. This was calculated at three different stages. Before the young person did the programme, after the programme, and a number of months later as a follow up to the programme.
The results showed that young people who completed the programme showed significant improvements in a whole range of positive traits. When compared to the comparison group, Leadership for Life participants performed higher in measures of:
- Goal setting
- Empathy
- Critical thinking
- Communication skills
- Teamwork
- Problem solving
- Leadership skills
- Community involvement
- Resilience
- Sibling support
- Social support
- Emotional support
If you have any queries please contact us at [email protected]
How to get involved in the Leadership for Life Programme?
Within Foróige, the programme is run through our network of Clubs, Projects and Services. The programme is facilitated by staff and volunteers that have been trained as facilitators. Members that are aged 15+ are encouraged to speak to their youth worker or volunteer for more information on how to get involved.
Through Forógie’s partnership with the GAA, we offer a customised version of the Leadership for Life Programme – The Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative – to GAA members.
The programme is also available to young people in secondary schools and other youth involving organisations throughout the island of Ireland as well as internationally through partnerships in USA and Zambia.
