Galway Community Circus and Galway Simon Community were among 35 organisations nationwide which were recognised for their commitment to the values and priorities of European cooperation by Léargas, the Irish agency that promotes and manages European exchange programmes.
Over 150 young people and youth workers from across Ireland attended the recent European YouthFest event in Dublin’s Convention Centre.
Also recognised at the event, was David Poland, who received an award for his role as a Eurodesk ambassador.
Eurodesk ambassadors champion European mobility opportunities for young people in their local areas and wider communities by sharing information, creating youth friendly content for online networks and providing feedback to the Eurodesk Network.
Mr Poland was recognised for his work for young people in Galway and across Ireland.
Presenting organisations with Erasmus+ Accreditation in Youth or European Solidarity Corps Quality Labels, Lorraine Gilligan, Executive Director of Léargas, said: “I’m hugely excited for the young people of Ireland when I see the breadth and diversity of youth and community groups receiving accreditation and quality labels here today.
“Representing communities from every corner of Ireland, and some working nationwide, these organisations are supporting an inclusive Ireland where young people from right across the country, and from every background, can reach their potential and enjoy the transformational experience of an EU programme.
“The wonderful thing about all of the opportunities we provide through Léargas in education, training, youth and sport, is that it’s often the first of many experiences for those who get involved.
“We see the transformative impact that these programmes can have for young people and those who work with them, and we see those individuals and groups come back to explore a new programme year after year.”
The European YouthFest event marked the Irish closing event of the European Year of Youth which has seen a programme of funded events and activities for young people across Ireland in 2022.
Ms Gilligan said: “We’ve been honoured to coordinate the European Year of Youth in Ireland this year and to welcome so many newcomers to our European community!”
“It’s been fantastic to see more interaction and projects from groups within the Traveller community groups of young people in direct provision centres and from harder to reach communities across Ireland. Guiding these young people and those who work with them to discover the incredible opportunities open to them through the Programmes Léargas operates is a privilege.”
