| The residential conference opens its doors to over one hundred 15-25 year olds from the region every year. They are encouraged to discuss issues important to them, such as disability awareness, racism and citizenship through a range of activities including dance, drama, music and visual arts.
At the end of the week the young people present their findings and recommendations through the arts to youth organisations like the SELB Youth Service so that real actions can come from the discussions.
Gerard Doran , SELB Youth Adviser, said: “The conference offers young people the chance to take part in a completely new experience and equip them with new skills.
Every year we see the young people leaving with an increased sense of achievement and self-esteem. The Board is delighted to be awarded a Blue Plaque from TheNational Lottery in recognition of its innovative work with young people in the area.” Lisa McGinn, (17), from Newry, took part in this year’s conference and said: “This was my first time at the conference and it has been a fantastic week. I really enjoyed being able to express my opinions on issues important to me through the arts and for our opinions to be taken seriously by adults. The conference also gave me the chance to meet loads of new people which has helped to increase my confidence.”
The National Lottery grant was awarded to the SELB through the Big Lottery Fund £2.7m Activities for Young People programme. Each Education and Library Board (ELB) received a share of the £2.7m to develop a range of activities such as outdoor adventure and drama to help re-engage young people in learning, training, citizenship and personal and social education.
Breidge Gadd, Big Lottery Fund, said: “The Vision 4 2Moro conference is an extremely valuable way for young people to talk about everyday issues affecting them in an enjoyable and social way. We are pleased National Lottery funding is helping hundreds of young people across Northern Ireland feel more included in their local community and has given them the chance to try out new activities.”
Pictured at the Visions 4 2Moro conference are (from left) Conor Fitzpatrick, Gerard Doran , SELB Youth Adviser, Ancutsa McCabe, Rosie Carey , Senior Youth Worker, and Lisa McGinn.
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