Foróige - Empowering the youth of Kilkenny for over 70 years

Foróige has been Ireland's leading youth organisation since 1952 and Kilkenny is leading the way with a dynamic approach. 

The group, based locally at the Drum Youth Centre in Kilkenny City, has a presence across the county, supporting local people and groups up and down the county.

Its foundation over 70 years ago, has led to countless hours of support and enjoyment for young people in Kilkenny City and county, ranging from the fields of recreation and education to personalised supports in later years.

The organisation works with over 50,000 young people aged from 10-18 each year through volunteer-led clubs and staff-led youth projects. Kilkenny is no exception and holds one of 26 branches nationwide, catering for hundreds of local users.

Ruth Comerford, Senior Youth Officer locally, has hailed her colleagues and the service’s users who have been key to making the operation a success, recalling the foundation of the Drum Centre in the city in 2008 as a turning point. This development created a number of full-time roles and the ability to add further services, Ms Comerford said.

"Evening time groups, summer groups, drop in services at weekends and one to one guidance are just some of the initiatives the local service is now able to provide," she said.

The creation of a hub and the addition of extra resources, funded by Tusla and Kilkenny County Council, has also offered many young people assistance in obtaining school places, helped those experiencing educational disadvantages and offered education to advance personal development in areas such as sexual health, relationships and LGBT supports, Ms Comerford added.

Foróige currently operates more than 600 Clubs and 150 Youth Projects including the Foróige Youth Entrepreneurship programme and their Youth Citizenship and Leadership programmes. 

Such initiatives have had a hugely positive impact on young lives, according to the local youth officer, stating local bodies like thel Educational Training Board (ETB) have partnered with the group to explore job possibilities as a result of such measures.

Foróige's influence in the county was increased further in recent times with the addition of a new hub in Castlecomer, creating extra opportunities for young people in the area to mingle and make new friends. 

However, the additional resource in the locality offers more than a social hub, it creates an avenue for young people who may be experiencing difficulties in life to access relevant supports. One such support is the ‘Big Brother, Big Sister’ mentoring programme, first introduced 23 years ago.

The programme matches a young person with an adult, offering a helping hand and potential friendship in the process. However, like many of the activities on offer, the young people and their families are wishes are placed front and centre, as they're hopes and ambitions are met to the best of the staff's ability, Ms Comerford concluded.

The body now looks forward to a prosperous future as young people of all interests seek their place in the world.