Foróige is now operating clubs for young people with autism spectrum conditions in a number of counties. Claire Hutchinson, Foróige Regional Youth Officer for South Dublin says, “We have worked closely in conjunction with Aspire Ireland, the Asperger’s Association of Ireland and they have been exceptionally helpful and supportive in establishing these clubs.”
Big Brother Big Sister is an internationally recognised youth mentoring programme that forms supportive friendships for young people inspiring them to brighter futures. The programme is operated by Foróige in Ireland. We match an adult with a young person who could benefit from having a supportive adult in their lives. Male & female volunteers are currently being sought in the following areas: Mayo, Roscommon (Castlerea/Ballaghaderreen), Cork, Cavan, Monaghan, Dublin (Finglas and Balbriggan). Male volunteers are sought in Galway, Tipperary, Sligo, North Donegal, Westmeath and Offaly. Please complete our Volunteer Enquiry Form if you feel this is something you would be interested in doing!
In May 2014, 32 young people from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland took part in a 7 day youth exchange on a tall ship, the Morgenster. Two Foróige members were lucky enough to take part in the sail, Kirsty Hayes and Cormac Whelan. Kirsty (16) from Co. Cork has composed an article about her experience.
A week living on a tall ship alongside 31 strangers is bound to present its challenges, but late night watches and close living quarters made strangers into one big family. The adventure began for the Republic of Ireland participants in the Dublin Port Centre at 12:00 on Sunday 25th of May. From here we piled our mountain of “unnecessary” luggage into a small overheated bus and began a 3 hour bus journey to Belfast.
On Friday 8th of August, the Le Chéile Rose took place in the Village Inn, Enniskeane in Co. Cork. Organised by Ballineen Foróige Club, this charity event in aid of the Irish Kidney Association saw seven enthusiastic and inspirational ladies take to the stage, each representing a local business or organisation. As part of their annual citizenship project, Ballineen Foróige Club decided to revive this event which first took place in 1995 and has not been held for 14 years.
The event was based on the Rose of Tralee Festival. Each Rose was interviewed on stage and then asked to perform a showpiece.
You just had to be there.
Within a couple of minutes of arriving at NUI Maynooth for the Albert Schweitzer Leadership For Life Conference 2014 one of my ‘moments of the week’ occurred. It was about 10am and I had just arrived at the front of the Iontas building on campus where registration was taking place. With me were 6 members from our Foróige Club in Drogheda, Mell FYC. I had literally just put my bags down when I heard a high pitched “Oh My God” followed by an excited scream, “Eamo”, and before I even got a chance to turn around, I felt a body slam into me from behind, a pair of arms wrapped around me, squeezing the life out of me.
Well known Irish footballer and coach Niall Quinn facilitated an energetic soccer clinic and penalty shoot out last week with 15 young people (aged 10 to 12) who are all members of Foróige’s Tyrrelstown Youth Project!
“He is great, like a big friendly giant,” said Jefrey Bangun (11) who took part. “I don’t even care what position I play in, I just want to play for Ireland,” said pal Nathan Forbes (11).
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