McDonald’s in Kilkenny is supporting local organisation, Aiséirí as part of new Youth Opportunity Ireland programme

McDonald’s in the South East is supporting the local organisation, Aiséirí as part of its new Youth Opportunity Ireland programme. In partnership with the Irish Youth Foundation, McDonald’s is providing funding to Aiséirí, which has locations in Kilkenny and Waterford, as part of a nationwide skills and employment initiative.

 McDonald’s Youth Opportunity Ireland programme, which was launched earlier this year, is providing €200,000 to youth organisations across Ireland. The programme will enable these groups to deliver specialised training and mentorship opportunities for 2,000 young people by 2023. 

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The community-focused McDonald’s Youth Opportunity Ireland programme is supporting young people between the ages of 15 and 24 nationally, who are experiencing disadvantage and aims to empower them with the skills, training and mentorship they need to access the employment market.

In the first year of the programme, the funding will enable 13 grassroots youth organisations across Ireland to deliver targeted youth employability programmes. Aiséirí, was selected to receive funding in the programme’s first year.

Aiséirí provides community and residential services to help young people, adults and families overcome addiction and lead meaningful lives in recovery. Using the funding provided by McDonald’s, their aim is to equip young people accessing their service with jobs-based training to increase their employment prospects once they have completed addiction treatment with the service.

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Speaking about the McDonald’s Youth Opportunity Ireland programme, Michael Fortune from Aiséirí said: “At Aiséirí we work closely with the young people in Kilkenny and Waterford to give them the support required to overcome addiction and live a meaningful life in recovery. A vital part of that support is ensuring they have the best possible chance of successfully entering the job market after they have completed treatment. The funding we have received from the McDonalds Youth Opportunity Programme is crucial, as it enables us to help more young people in our community.” 

Chris Pim, McDonald’s Franchisee, commented, “McDonald’s is passionate about providing training and development opportunities to its people. That is why we have established the McDonald’s Youth Opportunity Ireland programme with the Irish Youth Foundation. Aiséirí does exceptional work with young people in Kilkenny and Waterford, and I have seen first-hand the impact that this has had. McDonald’s is delighted to be supporting them.”

Lucy Masterson, Chief Executive, Irish Youth Foundation said, “Our research has found that almost one-in-five young people are not currently in education, employment or training. We want to ensure that young people are provided with opportunities to upskill and take advantage of training and mentorship programmes. Through the McDonald’s Youth Opportunity Ireland programme, we will be able to support the work of dedicated youth organisations across the country targeting the most at-risk and hard-to-reach young people.”