Students lead the way for programme success

THE Howth Parish Youth Group initiated a Transition Year Student (TYS) programme) eight years ago which has evolved into an established feature embracing both Howth and Sutton Parishes.

The programme is centred on two concepts: leadership in personal growth and responsibility, and leadership in community project involvement. On one half day once a month, group sessions focus on well tailored engagements around physical, dietary, mental health and creative thinking modules, together with a particular session on career guidance.

On the community project front, the students proactively engage in a Christmas Party and a Spring Bingo Night with the residents in the local HSE-managed Kilrock House, as well as being active participants in the carol singing at the annual lighting of the Howth Christmas tree.

There are 35 students drawn from five secondary schools, with the full and confident support of their school TYS coordinators, on this year’s programme.

Monthly group sessions take place at the Scoil Mhuire school hall with the kind permission of the board and Principal, John Chambers.