

Youth
Limerick Youth Service celebration with Showcase of International Youth Work Programmes
Young people from Limerick Youth Service (LYS) pictured with the Mayor of Limerick, John Moran at the Northside Youth Space for the Showcase of International Youth Work Programmes. Photo: Stephen Lappin
Limerick Youth Service Showcase (LYS) of International Youth Work Programmes gives young people the chance to share experiences of their European adventures

The Mayor of Limerick John Moran was among the guests at the recent Showcase of International Youth Work Programmes celebration evening at Limerick Youth Service’s (LYS) Northside Youth Space, Ballynanty.
As part of the celebratory evening, young people who participated in International Youth Exchanges with LYS shared their experiences of their European adventures through photographs, film, and many words!
Youth exchanges are partnership between youth organisations, where young people from one nation host their peers from another with a return leg.
In the past two years LYS has been to Finland, Greece, Hungary and Romania with young people and staff from these four countries visiting Limerick and the Midwest.
Speaking to the audience, Mayor Moran congratulated the young people on their achievement and spoke about the importance of travel and gaining experience of living overseas.
Mayor Moran then presented the young people with their EU Youthpass a valuable accreditation that promotes the many skills associated with international youth work.
Maurice Walsh, LYS Youth Work Manager, reflected on LYS’ long tradition of international youth work that has seen the youth organisation travel to three continents and welcome colleagues from across the globe to Limerick.
“International youth work gives young people and incredible opportunity to experience a different culture and broaden their horizons,” said Maurice.

‘For many young people, it is there first time going through an airport, flying on a plane and going to another country. To be part of that experience with them is something we are very proud of at LYS,’ said Maurice.
“International Youth Work is a key part of the LYS Strategic Plan and we are already looking to the future with Youth Exchanges to France and an historic trip to North Macedonia on the horizon in 2025,” Maurice added.
Maurice congratulated the young people on their achievements and thanked their families and supporters of International Youth Work for their support.
International Youth Work with LYS is supported by Léargas through the Erasmus+ Programme.
A member of Youth Work Ireland and the Irish Association of Training Centres Organisation, LYS remains committed to connecting with young people and supporting them to reach their full potential.