Limerick Youth Service welcomes Dubai Aerospace to acknowledge equipment donation

David Houlihan, President, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (third from left) pictured with learners from the LYS Community Training Centre. Photo: Limerick Youth Service

Limerick Youth Service recently welcomed delegates from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), a global aviation services company, to its city centre premises in Lr. Glentworth St, Limerick

The site visit provided an opportunity for Limerick Youth Service to formally acknowledge the generous donation of equipment from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) and for the international aviation service to gain a deeper understanding of the wide range of activities, programmes and opportunities available to young people through one of Ireland’s leading youth organisations.

Led by David Houlihan, President DAE Capital, accompanied by Eamon O’Sullivan, the DAE delegation was welcomed by young people and staff who offered insights into the range of courses and projects available including further education and training, youth work programmes and wellbeing supports.

‘Strong communities are built by creating opportunities for young people. Talent is universal, but opportunity is not,’ said David Houlihan, President of DAE Capital.

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“Limerick Youth Service invests time, belief and care in young people, which gives them the confidence to grow and reach their potential. It is a privilege to support their initiatives that change the future of young people and help them thrive,” said Mr Houlihan.

Fiona O’Grady, CEO thanked DAE for their donation saying, “The high-quality equipment and furniture will support the learning and skills development of young people and represents a strong vote of confidence in the work and impact of Limerick Youth Service.”

While the equipment was warmly welcomed by Limerick Youth Service, it was the words of David Houlihan that struck a chord with the young people and staff as he spoke so candidly of how his interest in aeroplanes as a child led to his career in aviation.

“David’s journey demonstrated the power of resilience, ambition and continuous learning.  It showed a real-world career pathway in aviation and engineering that young people may not have been aware off,” said Ms. O’Grady.

“As David spoke about his career pathways, it showed the young people that professional journeys are rarely linear and that opportunities can arise from unexpected places,” said Ms. O’Grady.

The visit by DAE provided a valuable chance to highlight the programmes and supports that Limerick Youth Service provide to young people, while engagement with organisations such as DAE raises awareness of the vital role of youth organisations and their positive impact on communities and enterprise.

Easter holidays provide a chance for Sixth Class students to ‘move up’ with LYS

Sixth Class students got an early introduction to second level during their Easter holidays as they took part in the ‘Moving On Up’ Primary to Secondary Transition Programme with Limerick Youth Service (LYS).

The students, who will be enrolling in First Year in Hazelwood College, Dromcollogher and Coláiste Mhuire, Askeaton in the autumn, took part in the one-day programme that introduced them to their respective new school and new classmates.

Delivered by the youth work team at LYS, the Moving On Up programme focused on the personal and social challenges some students face as they start second level.

The workshops covered subjects such as communications, wellbeing, changing friendships and peer pressure, with a fitness module with Limerick Sports Partnership also part of the programme.

A new feature of this year’s Moving On Up was the introduction of a Vaping & Tobacco Awareness module by the LYS Drug Education and Prevention Support Project that highlighted the dangers of vape usage.

Away from the workshops, the 6th Class students met some of their new classmates, their respective new principals and explored their new schools.

‘While the start of secondary school can be an exciting time, for some students it can be quite a daunting experience, as some find the move from a small rural school with twenty students to a college with over 500 students quite daunting,’ said Eithne Stembridge, LYS.

‘Our Moving On Up programme includes workshops that give students the space to explore any feelings of anxiety or excitement that they may feel ahead of starting secondary school,’ said Eithne, programme coordinator.

Eithne reserved a special word of thanks for students from Mary Immaculate College, the Technological University of the Shannon, the University of Limerick, the IES Francesco Ribalta, Casteleon, Spain and the staff at the Limerick Sports Partnership for assisting in delivering the programme.