History of the Centre

Kilkenny Youthreach first began in September 1998 when the board of county Kilkenny VEC came together earlier in the year to put together a proposal to the department of education for a Youthreach Centre in Kileknny. The first co-ordinator of Youthreach was Pauline Stone, appointed in September. A new co-ordinator Ms. Caitríona Delaney was appointed in February 2003.

Kilkenny Youthreach is managed by County Kilkenny VEC in association with youth and community partnership. Represented on the Board of Management are the local development programme – Kilkenny community action network(KCAN), Youthlynx, Castlecomer District Community Development (CDCD), Kilkenny Employment for Youth (KEY), Ossory Youth Services, South Eastern Health Board, The adult education services as well as representatives from County Kilkenny Vocational Educational Committee.

Kilkenny Youthreach began with its first “Taster Programme” in November 1998. The programme proper began in January 1999 in the location of Desart Hall, which also housed the Youthlynx and Ossory Youth Support Services.

On October the 8th, 1999 Kilkenny Youthreach was officially launched by the Minister for Education and Science, Michael Martin, T.D., the launch was held in the Youthreach Centre in Desart Hall, New Street, Kilkenny. In attendance at this event were many local politicians and dignitaries, along with representatives of the Board of Management and Trainees.

At the outset it was decided that Youthreach should have an Educational Focus offering accreditation and the opportunity for sitting exams, ensuring no duplication of existing service provided by Kileknny Employment for Youth who offer workshops in vocational programmes such as woodwork/construction and catering.

While Yothreach offers Junior Cert, Leaving Cert, options and FETAC, the fundamental approach ensures that the programme is driven on a needs basis; in other words the programme is designed to meet the needs and the interests of the young people. Help with literacy and numeracy is a prime focus on the Youthreach Programme with difficulties in literacy being identified as a huge priority in the development of the young peoples skills.

During the first nine years of the centre many arts programmes have been offered to suit the needs of the trainees. Two songs were written and a CD was made and produced. A short film “brand new day” was made and released with the support of the Arts Council. A writer – in – residence scheme was put into motion, which began in February 2004.

The Dance Theatre of Ireland also visited the Centre and gave the trainees an introduction to modern dance. We also have had visits from Irish Traditional Musicians who gave a demonstration of their craft. Open Days and Achievements Days are held annually, with prize-giving and awards ceremonies taking place. In attendance at these days have been such dignitaries as Mayor Marie Fitzpatrick and other former Mayors. A group of trainees also travelled to Aras an Uachtarain and met President Mary Mc Aleese as part of their involvement in An Gaisce.

Other awards have been made over the years by the Irish Canoe Union, guild of Master Craftsmen, Kilkenny Youthlynx, National Council for Water Safety, Oceanic Manoeuvres and the National Young Entrepreneur Scheme. Trainees have also been on numerous excursions and trips away as we in Youthreach endeavour to meet the changing needs of the trainees.

As part of our personal development programme trainees have taken part in film-making, drama, writers-in-residence schemes, MOG Car Safety Demonstration, trips away such as Oakwood, Delphi Adventure Centre and Dunmore East Adventure Centre, to name but a few. We have also taken part in the Quality Framework Initiative and have completed a Centre Development Plan for the years 2004-2007.

During the course of their academic studies trainees also attend Geography field trips, plays and Woodcarving exhibitions. Trainees also attend the Opportunities Jobs Fair by FAS annually. Kilkenny Youthreach has now been operation for nine years and is growing in strength every year. We hope that this may continue for many years to come.