Chapter 1
A Profile of the Organisations Represented on the Cork Local Voluntary Youth Council
1.1 Introduction
This chapter provides a profile of the organisations which are represented on the Cork Local Voluntary Youth Council. This profile is important because it highlights the variety of youth serving organisations and agencies active in the Cork area. Through focusing on the agencies' activities it is possible to identify the wide range of provision catering for the different needs of young people.
1.2 Scouting and Guiding
1.2.1 Scout Association of Ireland
The Scout Association of Ireland is a multi-denominational youth movement. The aim of scouting is to help young people realise their full potential so that they can become responsible, resourceful and enterprising members of the community. This is achieved through an outdoor programme which provides fun, challenge and adventure especially designed to suit the needs of young people of various ages.
The scout association is made up of beavers (6-8), cubs (8-11), scouts (11-15) and venturers (15-21). Their method is based on educational principles using out of door activities, working in small groups, learning by doing, commitment to a set of values and stimulating programmes.
1.2.2 Catholic Boy Scouts of Ireland (C.B.S.I.)
Catholic Boy Scouts of Ireland is a non-political educational movement for young people.
Through the principles and methods of Scouting its aim is to contribute to the spiritual, moral, cultural and physical development of its members so that they may take a constructive role in society as mature adults. There are four linked programmes which fulfil the needs of the youth membership.
- Beavers 6 - 8 years
- Cubs 8 - 11 years
- Scouts 11 - 16 years
- Venturers 16 - 19 years.
Weekly meetings and outdoor events which include: training, planning, hiking, camping, orienteering, and other adventure sports provide the members with fun, friendship and challenge.
The association is open to boys and girls of all religious persuasions. Adults, to whom full training is given, may join as leaders from 18 years upwards. In Cork City and County there are 4,934 members in 53 parishes.
1.2.3 Catholic Guides of Ireland
The Catholic Guides of Ireland promote and foster the spiritual, moral, cultural, intellectual, social and physical development of its members in accordance with Guide ideals, so that they become mature persons prepared for leadership and service in the home and community. The programme caters for the following age groups - Brigin Guides (6-11 years), Guides (10-17 years), Rangers (15-19 years) and adult leaders. There are also plans underway to initiate a new section of Cygnets (5 - 7 years). Through these different stages of the programme, the girls are introduced to new challenges which enable them to develop their abilities in a responsible manner.
Activities include camping, hiking, drama, orienteering, nature study, cooking, arts and crafts, project work, movement to music and first aid.
1.2.4 The Irish Girl Guides
The Irish Girl Guide Association gives girls the opportunity for self-training in the development of character and service to others, based on spiritual and moral values according to the principles of the Promise and Law. The girls learn to foster a love of country and to have a sense of citizenship by developing an interest in Homecraft, Health, Social Service, a love of nature and the traditional Arts and Customs. They are encouraged to have international goodwill by establishing contact with girls of other countries.
It is a voluntary, self-governing Association and a National Movement since 1930. Membership is open to girls between 5 and 21 years as follows:
LADYBIRDS (5 TO 7 1/2 YEARS): They follow a programme full of fun which helps them become aware of others, themselves and the world around them.
BROWNIES (6 1/2 TO 11 YEARS): They help others, enjoy the out-of-doors, and play games. They learn crafts and skills while pursuing Interest Badges.
GUIDES (10 1/2 TO 16 YEARS): The programme is now more adventurous. The Patrol System (a group of 6 to 8 girls) helps them to take responsibility for their own actions at camps, on hikes, at meetings or giving service to others.
SENIOR BRANCH (14 TO 21 YEARS - RANGERS); (15 TO 18 YEARS - YOUNG LEADERS): Rangers follow various challenges and set their own pace within the Movement. Young Leaders work with the different Branches. Girls may belong to one or both sections. They work their own programme but come together for joint events.
1.3 Foróige
The fundamental purpose of the Foróige Organisation is to enable young people involve themselves consciously and actively in their own development and in the development of society. This is achieved through the operation of Foróige Clubs, Youth Services and Youth Development Projects.
The club is the basic unit of the organisation. It caters for young people in the 12-18 age group. The young people are responsible in co-operation with adult leaders for making all decisions regarding the club.
The Foróige club meets once a week and at each meeting decisions concerning the club are made and a programme of activities is carried out to meet the interests, learning and development needs of members.
The following eight education programmes form the basis for club activities: Citizenship, Health, Leadership, Science, Culture, Family and Life Skills, Agriculture, Horticulture and Youth Co-operative Education. There are many clubs throughout the city and county of Cork.
Youth Development Projects are operated by Foróige in partnership with the City of Cork V.E.C. These projects provide a service to local communities by providing a range of effective youth work interventions within their areas. The projects in Cork City are primarily aimed at young people, particularly those who have completed school at 15 years of age and are unemployed. These programmes highlight the education, training and work opportunities available and assist young people to decide which is the most suitable for them given their circumstances. These projects mark the first step for some people who have left school to participate in out of school education.
1.4 Ógra Chorcaí
Ógra Chorcaí was founded in 1966 to support voluntary youth leaders in their work with young people by providing off street activities.
1.4.1 Services
YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME: To provide services on an ongoing basis as a support to clubs/leaders in their work in helping young people to become mature and responsible members of the community:
- To foster co-operation and interaction between clubs
- To provide a forum for inter club activity
- To provide guidance to clubs in programming and training.
SUMMER RECREATION SCHEMES: This is a programme of recreational fun activities organised by local adults for young people aged between 5 - 14 years in their community and it takes place in the month of July. Currently 20 such schemes operate within Cork City and County, involving approximately 4,000 children and 850 volunteers.
1.4.2 Resource and Training Centre/Open Door Programme
Available to any youth group with worthwhile initiatives. There is a heavy emphasis on projects with a Development Education theme, an area in which Ógra Chorcaí enjoy a high reputation in a European context. Resources on offer include:
- Computer
- Library
- Meeting Rooms
- Catering; Art/Crafts.
1.4.3 Special Projects
There are six special projects, managed by Ógra Chorcaí Ltd., on behalf of the City of Cork V.E.C. They are located in Farranree, Togher, Strawberry Hill and Knocknaheeny.
They cater for young people 'at risk' between the age of 10 and 25 years. The primary purpose of the projects is to develop personal and social skills and to redress inequalities experienced by many young people and empower them to achieve their potential and lead fulfilled lives.
1.5 YMCA
The YMCA is a worldwide non-denominational Christian movement which exists to promote and facilitate the development of young people. It aims to do this through quality programmes assisting young people in their personal development, giving them the opportunity to contribute positively to the wider community.
The YMCA is active in both Cork City and County with ongoing exploration and innovation in the provision of programmes aimed at meeting local needs. The main programmes provided include:
1.5.1 Support, Training and Enterprise Programme (STEP)
This is an eighteen week programme which takes a group of unemployed 18 to 25 year olds through a personal action plan designed to enhance their employability, provide vocational training and increase community understanding.
STEP targets young people who have failed to benefit from existing educational provision, who have few or no qualifications and who lack a clear vocational direction. The STEP Programme has also been adapted to meet particular needs, for example single parents.
Following completion of the programme, ongoing assistance is provided as required to enable young people to enter employment or to avail of other training opportunities. In Ballincollig for example, young people have been involved in setting up a simulated working environment as part of a post STEP initiative.
STEP Programmes are operational in the following locations - Cork City Centre, Ballincollig, Bandon, Bantry and Cobh.
1.5.2 Youth Information
The Cork Youth Information Centre provides a comprehensive and user friendly information and advisory service responsive to the personal, social and vocational needs of young people. In this way it aims to help young people to realise their full potential and actively participate in community life.
It also aims to inform, assist and complement the work of parents, teachers, youth workers and others in the community concerned with the needs of youth, and has an active outreach programme.
The West Cork Youth Information Centre has also been established in Bandon to promote the free flow of information to more rural and isolated communities in the West Cork area.
1.5.3 Mothers Alone
Mothers Alone is a support service aimed at young pregnant women or single mothers. The support provided extends to home and hospital visits where appropriate. Education is provided on a range of issues relevant to this group. The service has been enhanced by a recently established creche facility. Mothers Alone is located in the Cork City Centre YMCA.
1.5.4 Peer Education
Peer Education is designed to provide young people with the skills to educate other young people on various issues including for example HIV/AIDS and Drug & Alcohol Abuse. Peer Education Courses have been conducted in Cork City, Bandon, Bantry, and Cobh and in centres such as schools and youth clubs.
1.5.5 Community Leadership Education
In Bantry, community leadership education aims to equip young people with the skills to become actively involved in their local communities.
1.5.6 Ten Sing
Ten Sing is a new and creative approach to Christian Youth Work, led by young people, rooted in the popular youth culture, with an international dimension. Ten Sing introduces young people to the performing arts and develops self confidence and leadership skills. Ten Sing is in operation in Ballincollig.
1.5.7 Summer Programmes
Summer arts programmes have been initiated in Ballincollig and they cater for different age groups.
1.5.8 International Links
Through the worldwide network of YMCAs there are many opportunities for international links and exchanges which give young people challenging new experiences and encourage inter-cultural learning.
1.5.9 Youth Mobility
Youth Mobility is a comprehensive support programme for young people aged 18 to 25 with appropriate skills or work experience who wish to emigrate to England, particularly to the London area.
1.6 Cork Youth Federation
Cork Youth Federation was established in 1986 to provide a wide range of youth work services for young people in Cork City and County. It is affiliated to the National Youth Federation and it is a registered charity.
1.6.1 Youth Clubs
Youth Clubs provide a place to go where young people can engage in a variety of activities. Affiliated youth clubs can avail of a number of co-operative activities, competitions and exchange programmes organised by Cork Youth Federation. Other support services provided by the CYF include the provision of leader training programmes, assistance with recruiting leaders and with administrative tasks.
1.6.2 Homework Support Groups
Homework Support Groups are in operation in City and County areas. The policy of homework support is to assist children who may be experiencing learning difficulties or who are in need of more intensive and individual help than is available to them in the mainstream system by applying a range of alternative learning methods in a more supportive and personalised learning environment.
1.6.3 Information
An information and resource service on a range of youth-related issues is available to affiliated units.
1.6.4 Educational Programmes
A resource library of Educational programmes on Mental Health, Drug Abuse, Bullying and the Environment is provided for use in schools, clubs and other centres.
1.6.5 Summer Programmes
Summer programmes are recreation based and provide a wide range of fun filled activities for the younger age groups during the summer holiday period.
1.6.6 Activity Groups
Activity groups give young people an opportunity to learn and to interact while working on specific tasks. Young people are introduced to a range of arts and crafts like painting, pottery, screen painting and jewellery making.
1.6.7 Youth Links
Established in September 1988, Youth Links is a community based project aimed at young people in the Churchfield/Gurranebraher area. It caters mainly for young people in the 15 to 18 age group, identified as being at risk. The project aims to assist participants to become self-reliant, responsible and active participants in their community. This is achieved by involving them in a range of educational, social and personal development programmes.
1.7 Cloyne Federation of Youth Clubs
The Cloyne Federation is a youth service in North and East Cork. It works mainly with teenagers and young adults.
The aim of the Federation is to help young people in their path towards adulthood by developing their interests and abilities, contributing to the betterment of their own community and enjoying themselves in the process.
There are approximately 10 youth clubs catering for young people in the 10-18 age group and one club catering for the 7-10 age group in the Cork North and Cork East areas.
There is special project work being undertaken in Mallow and Fermoy. These special projects cater for disadvantaged or 'at risk' young people in the 12-18 age bracket. Group work for girls and for the younger age group 8-12 is also provided in these projects.
1.8 Macra na Feirme
Macra na Feirme is a non-party political and non-sectarian voluntary national organisation. Its mission statement commits the organisation to:
"Personal, social and vocational development of young people throughout Ireland and through this to contribute to agricultural, rural and community development".
The organisation was founded fifty years ago in Athy by a rural science teacher Stephen Cullinane. It was founded primarily as a young farmers organisation. Its aims were to provide education for young farmers and to improve the quality of life for young people in rural areas. Much has changed since those early days with 25% of the membership now farming and an expansion of activities to suit all young people.
1.8.1 Structure
Macra na Feirme is organised around self-managing clubs. There is an executive structure in every county for the purposes of organising a county programme, co-ordinating and integrating clubs and implementing the national programme. This executive is composed of representatives from clubs. In Cork there are five regional executives those being Seandún, Carbery, Avondhu, Imokilly and Muskerry. Each region has a representative on the National Council of Macra na Feirme. This is the decision making body of the organisation and consists of three sub committees: young farmers, development and programmes.
1.8.2 External Bodies
Macra na Feirme is a social partner on the Programme for Competitiveness and Work. It also has representatives on various different boards including Teagasc, the National Economic and Social Council, E.C. structural funds, National Youth Council of Ireland, the Irish Farmers Association and the European Young Farmers organisation - C.E.J.A.
1.8.3 Funding
The organisation is funded at a national level by Farmer and Agri-business, Departments of Education and Agriculture, affiliation fees and other operating income. The Department of Education finances the training officers situated around the country and various training activities.
1.8.4 Membership
There are 1400 members in Cork county, 60% male and 40% female. These members are scattered between 56 clubs from The Beara to Killeagh, from Newmarket to Mitchelstown. These clubs operate their own programmes to suit their members needs and also participate in regional activities.
1.8.5 Programmes
The programme areas to choose from include social, sport, competitions, travel, young farmer activities, courses and community involvement.
1.8.6 Social/Sport
These areas are very popular with the members with extensive activities organised. The sport activities culminate in a national sports day, and many of the social events are taken to national level, e.g. Miss Macra, Miss Blue Jeans and other talent competitions.
1.8.7 Competitions
These are many and varied with speaking, debating, stage, agricultural and skills competitions. Macra na Feirme recently conducted research of its Arts Programme. A number of recommendations have been made and funding has been secured from the Arts Council to employ a part-time Arts Officer to develop the programme.
1.8.8 Travel
Macra na Feirme operates a wide ranging national travel programme. The organisation participates in the E.C. young farmer exchange scheme and cultural exchanges for all members. There is also a sponsored scholarship to the farm relief services in New Zealand. The national winners of certain national competitions go on a prize winners trip, this year Russia is the venue. National holidays are organised to such places as Mexico, Barbados and Australia. Macra is currently forging links with the Ulster Young Farmers club; Carbery Macra na Feirme recently held an exchange with a U.Y.F. club. Apart from these activities regions and clubs organise their own exchanges with counterparts in Ireland and abroad.
1.8.9 Young Farmer Activities
Young Farmer discussion groups exist in every region/county. They organise monthly activities based on their members needs. Discussion takes place around production, economic, environmental, planning and other relevant issues. Farm walks, farm plans, projects, competitions and travel complete the programme.
1.8.10 Courses
LEADERSHIP: Macra na Feirme places great emphasis on the leadership training of club and regional officers. Each club officer undergoes ten hours of formal training in officer skills, teamwork, meeting procedure, recruitment, programme planning and organisational information. There are two follow up sessions with each team of officers to assist them in running the club. A weekend of advanced training is provided for regional/county officers on a national basis. There exists a Certificate in Applied Leadership scheme which regional/county officers can also participate in.
There are also National Leadership Awards granted to people of exceptional standard and ability, and these are awarded appropriate study trips abroad.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT: Macra na Feirme organises courses in the areas of communication, relationships, personal planning, goal setting and skills required to become an entrepreneur.
OTHER: The organisation organises courses at club or regional/county level in areas of interest to the members. These include first aid, interior design, computers etc.
1.8.11 Community Involvement
This type of activity is included in every club programme. Club members are often involved in community councils and other local bodies. The activity undertaken depends on the wishes of the club and the community. This can vary from organising senior citizens events to tree planting, from conducting resource audits to helping organise festivals. Clubs take part in Community Service Week projects.
1.8.12 Other
Macra na Feirme is committed to organising development education activities. A contract has been drawn up with D.E.F.Y. (Development Education For Youth) and a steering committee of members has been formed to organise the programme. Events to date include seminars on racism and xenophobia, a famine commemoration in Strokestown Famine Museum, examining issues relevant to today - lone parents, unemployment, discrimination against minority groups and debt. Clubs also take part in the annual One World Week events.
Macra na Feirme has recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. As part of these celebrations an organisational review was undertaken in conjunction with Maynooth College. All clubs were interviewed in this regard and the organisation is currently responding to the issues which were raised, these include working committees to review and plan for changes in P.R., Programmes and Competitions.
Macra na Feirme looks forward with enthusiasm to the future and consolidation of its position in rural communities.
1.9 EIL Ireland
EIL is a worldwide Educational & Cultural travel organisation founded in 1932 as the Experiment in International Living (EIL). It is the oldest educational exchange organisation in the world, operating in over 30 countries and involving almost 20,000 people each year on a variety of cultural and study programmes. It is a not for profit, non religious and non political association which was first introduced to Ireland in 1960.
EIL has been granted consultative status at UNESCO and The Council of Europe and in 1989 was designated a "Peace Messenger Organisation" by the United Nations. EIL's Irish H.Q. is based in Cork City.
1.9.1 Programme Activity
EIL hosts over 700 young people from over 20 different countries in Ireland each year. While in Ireland these young people attend University or Secondary School; participate in Peace & Conflict Study workshops; join English language courses; conduct independent research projects or just live with an Irish family for a number of weeks.
EIL offer a variety of programmes for young Irish people who wish to travel abroad:
- SECONDARY SCHOOL PROGRAMMES: France, Germany, Italy, Spain and USA.
- LANGUAGE COURSES: France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan, Russia, Mexico and Ecuador.
- USA ON J1 VISA: One Year Childcare/Study Programme.
- HOMESTAY PROGRAMMES: 30 Different countries all over the World.
- MULTI-NATIONAL PROGRAMMES: Teenage Soccer Camp in Mexico; Save the Rain Forest Programme in Ecuador; Kibbutz in Israel.
1.9.2 The Trust for Education in International Living
This Trust has been established by EIL with the objective of providing financial assistance for worthwhile intercultural educational schemes which foster international understanding, world peace and the elimination of racist attitudes. Socially and physically disadvantaged young people are given priority in the allocation of grants. From January to June 1995 the Trust has allocated £4,500 to a variety of projects.
1.10 The Cloyne, Cork and Ross Diocesan Youth Ministries
The Diocesan Youth Ministries are the Catholic Church's response to the needs of young people in all their dimensions - personal, social and spiritual.
Their purposes are to provide direction, support and training for groups and individuals involved in Youth Ministry throughout the parishes of the Dioceses of Cork and Ross and the Diocese of Cloyne. The Diocesan Youth Ministry provides a central point for contact, information, co-operation and liaison with the dioceses on all matters relating to youth.
1.11 Church of Ireland Youth Council
The Church of Ireland Youth Council is a 32 county youth organisation which is run by young people for young people. It identifies the needs of young people, area clubs, clergy and youth leaders. It does this by providing training, financial help, trips to other countries, North/South Exchanges, summer camps, an annual assembly, information and resources and a forum to voice views and opinions.
