Simon Harris, Minister for Further and Higher Education and Nicolas Schmit European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights visited Youthreach Clondalkin last week.

The centre is co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) and has won awards for helping young people who left school early to prepare and find employment.

Commissioner Schmit said, ‘It was very inspiring to join Minister Harris for a tour of the Clondalkin Youthreach Centre which is co-funded by the EU. The young people we met told us that Youthreach is like a community where they are really supported. Their talents are developed and they find jobs or further education.’

Youthreach is a programme for people aged between 16 to 20 years who left school early and would like to get guidance, training and work experience and qualifications.

Youthreach is all about personal development, training and education and each centre offers a safe and supportive place to learn. Young people who have been assessed as having multiple learning difficulties also benefit from a Special Education Needs Programme.

The Commissioner’s visit to Youthreach provides an example of how ESF funding continues to build opportunities for young people across Europe.

Dublin and Dún Laoghaire ETB stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people at this immensely difficult time. We are shocked and saddened by the terrible events happening in the country. We condemn this act of aggression from Russia in the strongest possible terms as it constitutes a crime under international law and threatens the international order.

DDLETB advocates for an immediate and peaceful end to the conflict.

Our thoughts go to all of our students and staff from the Ukrainian community.

It is important to distinguish between Putin and Russia. We commend members of our Russian community at home and abroad who are supporting peace.

Support through donation

We understand that NGOs on the ground in Ukraine are now asking for financial donations rather than donation of goods. If you are considering donating or raising funds, the following organisations are well respected and experienced in providing support.

Donate to Concern Worldwide

Donate to UNICEF

Donate to the Red Cross (Ireland)

Donate to the Red Cross (Ukraine)

DDLETB stands with Ukraine.

Introducing the NEW Youthreach Student Card in association with International Student Identity Card (ISIC). DDLETB is the first ETB to offer all our Youthreach students in our eleven centres an internationally recognised student card.

ISIC offers both virtual and plastic cards, allowing students around the world to instantly prove their official student status and access over 150,000 student discounts and offers worldwide.

The Youthreach programme is a Department of Education and Skills official education, training and work experience programme for early school leavers aged 16-20 and is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Social Fund as part of the Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning. It promotes independence, personal autonomy, active citizenship and helps create a pattern of lifelong learning.

Students have opportunities to acquire certification through QQI accredited courses. Dublin & Dun Laoghaire Education & Training Board (DDLETB) operate eleven Youthreach centres where students receive an allowance each week depending on age, along with transport and meal allowances. The curriculum can differ from centre to centre, is varied (academic & non-academic) and focuses on the holistic development of the individual within a learning environment which is structured, challenging, student-centred and participant-led.

If you would like to know more about Youthreach check out DDLETBYouthreach social media or call into your nearest centre. You can find all the details on our website. Alternatively, you can check out the Further Education and Training Hub (FETCH) online.

DDLETB Youthreach Student Card back

This is a guest post from Sophie Smyth at Balbriggan Youthreach outlining a fantastic project completed by the students. 

Balbriggan Meals on Wheels reserved outdoor wall space for a mural.

Our students from Balbriggan Youthreach brainstormed and complied ideas and designs into a composition that fitted the wall dimensions.

Colour Scheme

Students decided on a specific colour palette and a trip to EEC Hardware Balbriggan was needed to order the paint. Thank you to ECC Hardware Balbriggan for all your help!

Sketching The Wall

The fantastic artist Alison O’Grady kindly sketched the wall for us and guided us through the whole process. We are very grateful to have worked alongside her. So, thank you Alison for everything!

Mural Being Painted

Our students of Balbriggan Youthreach and tutor Sophie painted this mural which celebrates the creativity of young people, the committed work of Meals on Wheels and the beauty of Balbriggan town.

Lyndsay Balfe Image copyright Apple

Lyndsay Balfe is a woodworking teacher at DDLETB Swords Community College. Lyndsay is also an Apple Distinguished Educator and leads the school’s 1:1 iPad program, which provides an iPad for each student and teaching staff member.

To celebrate Coding Week, (September 27th – October 1st), Lyndsay is featured on the Apple website where she talks about how she got started with coding and how she brings the idea of process into her classes.

“I find the mind-set of coding a more thoughtful approach,” she says. “In breaking things down into steps, you’re thinking about the why. You’re thinking about the bigger picture and everything that’s involved in it. We want to develop those kinds of critical thinking skills with our students so that they’re equipped to tackle whatever challenges the future holds for them.”

Congratulations to Lyndsay on her wonderful work and for being featured on the Apple website celebrating coding week. You can read more about it here.

DDLETB schools/ centres are technically advanced and are dedicated to innovation in education.  Schools/ centres receive ongoing support and training from our DDLETB Digital Connect Team.