Co-operation Ireland and Active Communities Network have developed a youth leadership programme in response to growing evidence of the vulnerability of young people in marginalised communities across Northern Ireland due to increased youth participation in criminal and paramilitary activity. Following a process of engagement with statutory agencies, youth sector organisations, and local communities, at risk young people with natural leadership ability and peer influence were identified as a key target group.
In advance of submitting a large-scale application, Co-operation Ireland and Active Communities Network initially ran a pilot programme, which would develop and refine its proposed approach. In consultation with local stakeholders, the Shankhill/Kilwilkie area in North Lurgan was selected as location for a pilot. This area was identified as a priority for intervention due to a recent upsurge in social disorder, including rioting, hijackings and punishment beatings.
The pilot project ran for four months until June 2010, with 18 young people 15-17 years completing a programme of personal development, digital media training, and recreational activities. The centre piece of the pilot phase was the production of a short film by the young people, with support from Cinemagic, exploring issues in their lives and in the local area.
The second (and current) phase of the North Lurgan project seeks to build on the success of the pilot by furthering the integration of socially excluded young people into their community and helping them to develop the skills and capacity to make positive choices in their lives. Co-operation Ireland continues to be responsible for the overall management of the project, with Active Communities Network responsible for operational and frontline engagement, with a locally based project worker and appropriate local partners carrying out the delivery of day to day activities.
