Donegal Youth Council was established in May 2002 as a ‘Level Three’ Action in ‘An Straitéis’ 2002 -2012: Strategy for Social, Economic and Cultural Development of Co Donegal, following extensive research by the North Western Health Board into providing a democratic voice for young people in Donegal, entitled ‘A Voice for Youth’. The North Western Health Board and Donegal County Council, in partnership, and under the auspices of the Donegal County Development Board have jointly established six junior councils in the six electoral areas, mirroring those of the senior County Council.
For this term of office (2003 – 2005), a total of 44 Youth Councillors have been democratically elected by over 10,000 young people throughout Donegal to serve two-year term of office. Prior to elections young people were encouraged to campaign on issues relevant to their peers, including transport, student rates and discounts, facilities for young people etc. During their term of office no young person can be a member of or represent a Political Party.
The aims and objectives of the Youth Council are to:
· To encourage and enable young people in the county to participate in the democratic decision-making process as electors and as elected representatives.
· To provide a greater understanding of democratic process at local, national and international levels.
· To offer a forum for young people to raise matters of concern to them with the relevant authorities and agencies, in particular to liase and consult with Donegal County Council and the North Western Health Board on issues relevant to young people.
· To influence the nature of the democratic processes in Donegal by bring concerns, issues and desires of young people to the fore.
· To give young people a voice on local issues and allow them to take appropriate action to transform their situation and enhance the relationship between young people and the rest of the community.
· To introduce young people to, and to educate them on, the local government electoral process and the core concepts of democratic participation and citizenship.
· To enable young people to debate issues in the Council Chamber.
· To bring a fresh approach to local issues.
· To enable the County Council, North Western Health Board, other statutory bodies, community and voluntary organisations to consult on the effectiveness of services provided for young people.
· To promote personal development and learning, foster community relations, partnerships, networks and community confidence in a meaningful way
Funding
· Health service Executive North West
· Donegal County Council
· National Children’s Office
· EU Peace &
· Reconciliation Programme via ADM/CPA under Measure 2.6 Promoting Active Citizenship
· Léargas
· Údarás na Gaeltachta
· Leader+ Programme
To date there are Youth Council representatives on the following groups:
· North West Alcohol Forum
· Finn Valley Alliance for Positive Mental Health
· Donegal Local Development Company Youth Education and Training Sub Panel
· DLDC Drugs and Alcohol Sub group
· Donegal Sports Partnership
· Twin Towns Community Platform
Current DYC Projects
· Completing and launching the Donegal Youth Survey 2005
· Developing Guidelines for community and voluntary groups re: youth participation and representation
· Dáil na nÓg
· Young peoples’ rights conference – ‘Getting Connected’
· Party in the Park
· Highland Radio Programme
· Purpose-built venue for young people
· Bus Shelters
· Overcrowding on school buses
· Environmental Project
· Cross community/ Cross Border projects
· Summer activities
· Environmental Issues
· Courses/Classes for young people in rural areas
· DYC Newsletter
Support Structures
· Youth Council Staff
· Joint Management team
· Expert Advisory Group
· HSE and DCC
· Monthly meetings
· School Principals/liaison Teachers
Summary of work in 2005
The main work of the whole youth council this year was the development of a survey of young people’s needs in Donegal. When launched in October, youth councillors had been trained in research methodologies; they developed their questionnaires, conducted the survey in schools and youth reach centres, compiled and printed the results.
Ongoing work with local LEAs and in their own electoral areas continues as has their representations on various fora and committees both locally and nationally.
The development of good practice policies and procedures relating to youth work and the youth council continues. A child protection policy for Donegal County Council is near completion while guidelines for the involvement of young people in committees and groups have been developed. Many of these developments involve inter-directorate and interagency co-operation.
The Donegal Fermanagh E Forum project continues to develop. A web site has been set up and its launch is imminent. Good working relationships have been developed via this project and the potential for further co-operation exists.
Finally the potential for the development of further links both within Ireland and within the European Union for the youth council and its work is a real possibility
Further information can be obtained by contacting:
Name: Paddy Hannigan, Youth Council Co-ordinator,
Address: Letterkenny Public service Centre, Neil.T.Blaney Rd, Letterkenny, Co Donegal
Tel: 074 91 94244 or e-mail: paddyh@donegalcoco.ie
Website: http://www.donegalyouthcouncil.ie