MINISTER for Children and Youth Affairs Dr Katherine Zappone, was in Blanchardstown last week to see a number of local Foróige projects.
The Minister was also in Dublin 15 to launch an exhibition of photos taken by young people in the Web and Orb GYDP as well as to meet Foróige members, hear their voices, their opinions of their community, and the positives and negatives of their daily lives.
She met with young people from Mulhuddart and Corduff Youth Projects who highlighted, through their Aldi Foróige Youth Citizenship projects, the positive work they have been involved with locally such as Clean-up Corduff; the Community Garden; and a petition to Fingal County Council to reinstate the playground in Corduff.
The Minister then met the young people from the Web and Orb Foróige Projects who talked to her about the images they took for the exhibition using smart phones and tablets to depict daily lives in their communities.
Miriam Ryan, Area Manager Foróige Blanchardstown said everybody was delighted to welcome the Minister to Foróige Blanchardstown.
“She acknowledged the hard work of the young people in putting the exhibition together and how insightful it was,” she added.
“This event highlighted the massive support Foróige has in this community; and the young people were thrilled at being recognised and commended for everything they’ve achieved.”
The visit was supported by the local gardai, including Inspector Tony Twomey and his JLO team. The gardai highlighted the importance of the work that happens with Foróige in engaging young people in positive developmental opportunities.
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Mary McCamley was also in attendance to help re-launch the recording studio of the computer clubhouse.