Eleven young people from Mayo attend national Foróige Leadership Conference
Eleven young people from Mayo recently joined more than 300 delegates from Ireland and the United States at Foróige’s Leadership for Life Youth Conference at Maynooth University.
During the week-long residential conference, delegates strengthened their leadership, communication and teamwork skills through interactive workshops and practical activities. They also explored issues affecting young people today while building friendships that extended beyond their own counties and countries.
The conference welcomed an exceptional line-up of guest speakers, including Ray Goggins, Jack Woolley and Imelda May, who inspired delegates through honest conversations about resilience, ambition and believing in yourself.
Eric O’Brien, CEO of Foróige, stated: “When you bring together more than 300 young people with different backgrounds, experiences and ambitions, something really special happens. They inspire one another to think bigger, dream bigger, and realise that they each have the ability to make a real difference.
“Every young person has the potential to lead; sometimes they just need someone to believe in them first. This conference is about giving young people that belief alongside the skills, experiences and friendships that will stay with them long after they leave Maynooth.
“The energy, optimism and compassion we see here each year reminds us of what young people can achieve, both now and in the future, if they are given the opportunity and the right support.”
The conference builds on the success of the Leadership for Life Programme, which has impacted thousands of young people since it launched in 2009. Research and evaluation have shown that the programme increases participants’ self-awareness, resilience and ability to lead both individually and in groups. Many past participants have gone on to lead youth initiatives, represent Ireland on international platforms, and contribute meaningfully in education, business, and civic life.