Simon Harris & European Commissioner Nicolas Schmit Visit Youthreach Clondalkin

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.