Teens to work as ambassadors for change

YOUNG migrants are to take up roles as

‘Ambassadors for Change’ in second level schools in Dublin to promote equality among teenagers and combat problems such as racism.

The programme has been launched by the Immigrant Council of Ireland, which has trained the ambassadors to work with young people from all backgrounds.

At the announcement, Denise Charlton, chief executive of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, said the Irish classroom has changed forever.

“While there has been much attention on how schools and teachers respond to the needs of students from many backgrounds, often the pressures on the teenagers themselves is forgotten,

? stated Ms Charlton.

“Our

‘Ambassadors for Change’ have worked their way through the system, overcome cultural and language barriers, become successful in their own areas of life and are positive role models.

“They will fill the gap caused by the current lack of migrants in Irish public life.

Twelve

‘Ambassadors’ have completed their training and will start working with Dublin’s teenagers in the coming weeks.

One of the new

‘Ambassadors’ is Sheelan Yousefizadeh, from Beaumont.

Ms Yousefizadeth said she faced many issues when she moved to Ireland in her early teens with her family.

“Thinking back it would have helped me greatly if I had a mentor a few years older than me who could help me through these problems,

? she told Northside People.

“The ‘Ambassador for Change’ programme has a lot of potential to create a safe platform for discussion, understanding and mentorship.

“Over the years I’ve taken many active positions in Irish society whether through volunteer work and by representing young voices at Comhairle na nÃ?g and Dail na nÃ?g.

“While doing this I’ve also tried to raise awareness about where I come from and break any stereotypical views that may exist.

?

Ms Yousefizadeth said she often feels outnumbered as an active migrant young person.

“I hope through this programme we can change this and encourage more young people from migrant backgrounds to take active roles in Irish society in whatever field that interests them and make them see the benefits of participating,

? she added.