Mayo teens attend Foróige’s leadership conference
Members of Mayo Foróige at the conference, back row, from left: Caroline Togher, Linda Prizeviote, Amy-Ann Browne, Eamer Daly, Ronnie Foley, Tyler Lines, Rosha Conway. Front row: Aadila Iyemat, Sean Sweeney, Michael Irwin, Yelyzaveta Kotovoch, Anya Korsakova.
A total of 250 teenagers from around the world gathered in Maynooth University for Foróige’s Leadership for Life Youth Conference last Tuesday. The conference brings together young people to learn the skills and confidence to become leaders in their own lives and communities.
During the week-long conference, the teens learned crucial life skills such as empathy, decision-making, problem-solving, communication skills, critical thinking and team work. The attendees included a group from Mayo Foróige.
Seán Campbell, CEO of Foróige, said: “Leadership for Life is a circuit-breaker programme and can truly be life-changing for young people. This conference gives them the chance to not just learn from expert speakers and facilitators, but also to develop themselves and grow with each other in a fun and relaxed environment. Year on year I’m amazed by what young people can achieve when given the chance and the support. Every young person deserves to be able to access programmes like this.”
Among the speakers was Mayo Foróige member Aadila Iyemat who addressed the gala dinner, explaining her journey throughout the week.
“What started as one of the worst experiences of my life has turned into one of the most meaningful. I found strength I didn’t know I had and made a handful of friends who made this journey worthwhile. I went from feeling like an outsider to feeling like I belonged. This week taught me that even in the darkest times, there is always hope, and there is always a way forward.”
Guest speakers at the event included disability activist Joanne O'Riordan and Ballina native Cllr Mark Duffy.
