A message from

Foróige believes that every young person, no matter what their circumstances, deserves the chance to be great. We believe that all young people have potential, even if they can’t see it for themselves and what we do in Foróige is facilitate them to unleash it.

Foróige believes that every young person, no matter what their circumstances, deserves the chance to be great. We believe that all young people have potential, even if they can’t see it for themselves and what we do in Foróige is facilitate them to unleash it.

The recent economic downturn has been painful for a lot of people, but it is very clear that young people have been amongst the hardest hit. Our young people need us now more than ever and demand for Foróige’s volunteer-led and targeted services is at an all time high.

Foróige’s reach grew from 53,000 to 57,000 young people in 2011 and this growth was concentrated in the volunteer-led side of our youth work. I am greatly inspired to see such a strong return to community action and volunteerism in the face of Ireland’s economic challenges. Together we are succeeding in building stronger, more resilient communities and a better Ireland as a result.

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the growing number of volunteers and staff who make this organisation great. It is not an easy time to be young in Ireland and it is vital that our young people have positive role models in their communities, promoting the spirit and value of volunteerism, which we hope will continue into their adult lives. In this light I am happy to announce the appointment of Foróige’s Volunteer Manager, Denis O’Brien, who will ensure that we continue to support our volunteers to the highest possible standard.

I would like to congratulate Foróige CEO, Seán Campbell, who was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by NUI Galway this year. It was a much deserved personal honour for Seán, but it was also a wonderful tribute to the young people, volunteers and staff of Foróige.

It is a testament to the fact that our work matters and is making a real difference.

Our enlightened funders in both the public and private sectors have continued to support us when we need them most. On behalf of the almost 57,000 young people that you have empowered to believe in themselves and their futures, I say a big thank you.

I am confident that our committed partners and supporters will continue to stick with us through this challenging time in Ireland’s history because they believe in young people, they believe in Foróige and they believe that this generation will be the innovators, wealth creators, entrepreneurs and leaders of the future.

As my time as Chairperson draws to a close, I look back in celebration of the wonderful achievements of Foróige and look forward to witnessing what the future holds for the organisation with great optimism.

I would especially like to thank Foróige CEO, Seán Campbell and all of the Foróige staff, particularly the volunteers and staff in Limerick, for their unwavering support. My sincere gratitude also goes to my dedicated colleagues on the National Council and National Executive of Foróige.

Finally, and most importantly, I pay tribute to Foróige’s young people who inspired me each and every time I met them, regardless of the circumstances. It is their organisation and they are at the heart of everything we do.

Mairi Mc Mahon
Chairperson,
National Council of Foróige