Students in Galway are set to begin developing their leadership skills this term through LIFT Ireland‘s innovative leadership learning programme.
A total of 140 secondary school students will participate in the not-for-profit organisation’s programme throughout the term.
According to LIFT, those taking part will improve their listening skills, increase their confidence levels and become more empathetic, understanding and positive.
Throughout Ireland, 64 schools have signed up to participate in the development process, with the aim of developing core leadership skills for the young participants.
More than 3,500 transition year students from those schools will train as LIFT facilitators and, in turn, roll out the LIFT programme with other students in their schools, multiplying the reach of LIFT across secondary school students in Ireland.
In Galway, the schools taking part include St. Paul’s Secondary School in Oughterard, Coláiste Bhaile Chláir, and Coláiste Mhuire in Ballygar.
“2020 has been a year like no other,” said Joanne Hession, Founder and CEO of LIFT Ireland.
“Our young people in Galway and across Ireland are returning to school in the face of uncertainty in almost every aspect of their lives.
“But, throughout the Covid-19 crisis, we have seen great leadership demonstrated by young people in so many ways.”
She said that to deal effectively and inclusively with the ongoing pandemic and ensure a positive future for our country more generally, we need the voices, perspectives and contributions of our young people.
“The LIFT Leadership programme supports all participants, be they students or corporate CEOs, to become better leaders in their homes, social groups, communities, school or work environments.
“Young people encounter struggles and challenges on a daily basis, ranging from anxiety to bullying. The LIFT process helps participants to develop the skills, resilience, empathy and understanding to cope with such challenges, to successfully overcome challenging situations,” added Joanne Hession.
