The generosity, ingenuity, and innovation of young people who are active in their communities was evident at the permanent tsb Foróige Youth Citizenship Regional Awards which took place in the Tullamore Court Hotel last week.
Young people from Westmeath were among participants from over 50 clubs and groups from the region who were honoured for their work as active citizens as part of the awards event, which was attended by hundreds of young people.
As part of the event, a diverse range of community initiatives undertaken by the young people were showcased. Some of the projects on display included that of Moate Senior Foroige Club, who produced a quarterly newsletter for young people in their area on activities, news, and clubs available in the locality. Another local group, the Ballynacargy Foróige Club, organised a project to unite the young people of the area through a fun disco and social evening.
Guests at the event were very impressed with the quality and nature of the endeavours and took time to view the work of and mingle with awards winners. After the project viewing, the official awards ceremony commenced with young people taking to the stage to represent their group and tell guests about their active citizenship endeavours. Each club/project was presented with a specially commissioned Recognition Certificate for their efforts.
Pat McLoughlin, chairperson of the National Council of Foróige said, “It is not every day that you experience hundreds of young people in the one room with a common purpose. Citizenship is all about a common purpose for communities both at home and abroad. The Youth Citizenship Programme is in operation now for over 60 years and is still going strong thanks to the active engagement by young people. Young people are the life force of the future that shapes our direction as citizens and carries on the work of older generations. You should be delighted with the results you have accomplished so far and we wish you well in the challenges you face as active citizens into the future.”
The awards were attended by members of Foróige and independent youth clubs and groups from Westmeath, Offaly, Longford, Laois and Cavan and their multitude of supporters. Also present were staff of permanent tsb and Foróige, volunteers, youth leaders, and community activists.
