Foróige – Empowering Youth and Enriching Communities in South Dublin

Do you think you could be a good role model for young people? You can give something back to the community and help the next generation get on the right track by getting involved with Foróige!

Foróige has been working towards an Ireland that values every young person since 1952.

Throughout the country, 56,000 young people between the ages of 10 and 18 work with Foróige through volunteer-led clubs and staff-led youth projects. These take the form of 611 Foróige Clubs, 137 Youth Projects, the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programme, the Foróige Youth Entrepreneurship programme, and their Youth Citizenship and Youth Leadership programmes.

These youth groups aim to give young people of all capabilities a space in which to develop themselves, where they can create friendships, seek advice when needed, and learn skills that will stay with them for life. Activities in these clubs covers a wide range of areas, from beekeeping to DJing, from jewellery to Warhammer, and from CPR training to bakery! They are entirely volunteer-led, and normally run for one to three hours, once a week from September to July.

Foróige’s clubs work towards raising funds for local charities, and one of the ways they do this is through its National Youth Citizenship Awards, in conjunction with Aldi. The Swamp Club for 15 to 18 year-olds in Templeogue raised over €1,000 for Pieta House in 2014 with their teen band music showcase; Kelly O’Donoghue of Team Lucan Juniors Club has not only raised €620 so far in sponsorship by cutting 12 inches off her hair, but she has also donated the chopped locks to the Rapunzel Foundation! The closing date for submissions to this year’s awards is September 19.

While there are Foróige Clubs across Dublin, from Rush to Lucan, none currently operate in Dublin 4. In their own words, “Foróige are looking for those individuals who have previous experience as a teenager or role model, who place a high value on allowing young people to discover their greatest potentials. Foróige are seeking adults who feel they can offer the right supports to help young people navigate through the rough waters of teenage life and want to work towards a strong dynamic local community.”

If you are interested in becoming a Foróige volunteer, contact Foróige’s Regional Youth Officer for South Dublin, Claire Hutchinson on 085 1666945 or by email at claire.hutchinson@foroige.ie.You can find more information on the Foróige website, Facebook page and YouTube channel.

By Aimée Mac Leod