Community
The Shift youth programme with Limerick Youth Service
The links between Limerick and Birkarkara, Malta increased during the October midterm with young people from both cities taking part in The Shift youth programme.
The Shift saw 11 teenagers (15-18yrs) from Malta spend the week in the Midwest as guests of Limerick Youth Service while 11 teenagers from Limerick enjoyed their midterm break under the blue Mediterranean skies.
‘The Shift programme explores education and mobility with a particular emphasis on vulnerable young people and the challenges they face in remaining in the education system.
A group of young people from Limerick well spend the week with their Maltese in peers in the Midwest while another group will travel to Malta with the reverse happening in Spring 2016.
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In Limerick, the Maltese youths, who were joined by peers from Limerick, participated in a number of interactive workshops, experienced Irish culture, shared their own and had an audience with Limerick’s first citizen, Mayor Liam Galvin.
‘It was a very enjoyable week, with excellent workshops and the feedback from the young people is that they really enjoyed it, despite the rain,’ said Mary Duhig, Limerick Youth Service.
‘The Maltese group also experienced Halloween and attended the annual All Hallow’s Party at Lava Java Youth Café,’ added Ms. Duhig.
Meanwhile, while the umbrellas were the order of the day in Limerick, it was strictly Factor 50 in Malta the Irish contingent enjoying the Mediterranean sunshine.
‘The Maltese leg was similar (to the Limerick leg) in that young people participated in workshops and discussed, quite openly, the challenges some of them face in remaining in mainstream education,’ said Damian Landy, Limerick Youth Service.
‘It was good for our young people to hear that although they may be in different parts of Europe, the issues and challenges they face are quite similar,’ added Mr. Landy.
Away from the workshops the group experienced Maltese culture and went for a swim in the magnificent Blue Lagoon, an event that proved extremely popular.
‘The socially element is also a key factor of youth exchanges as it allows young people and staff to get to know one another and certainly helps breaks down barriers,’ said Mr. Landy.
Limerick Youth Service wishes to thank Leargas and our colleagues from ZAK Malta for their partnership and support in delivering The Shift Youth Exchange Programme.
A member of Youth Work Ireland, Limerick Youth Service remains committed to supporting and encouraging young people to be active participants in shaping their futures.
Visit the Limerick Youth Service website here
Check out the Limerick Youth Service Facebook page here and Twitter here
Read more about the Limerick Youth Service here
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