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An Droichead after COVID-19

An Droichid Youth Club has been around for over ten years providing a youth service for young Irish speakers from Lower Ormeau, the Market and Short Beach, and beyond. It was a small but vibrant Youth Association before COVID-19 broke out with almost 20 young people attending. We went online in the middle of COVID-19 through virtual camps over the summer, November and Christmas. This period was difficult but we continued to provide an Irish language youth service for these young people. Our Sports Camp in August 2021 was the first physical event as part of the Association’s youth service and attracted almost 30 young people. We continued this development with the opening of the Youth Club in October ’21 and our numbers have grown at an all time high.

We now open between 6.15 and 10pm for both primary and secondary students every Wednesday and Friday. There are 40 young people from primary school and 15 teenagers registered with An Droichid Youth Club. Recently we went on a trip to Fundamania, ice skating and to the cinema. We have big plans for other trips this year!

We also run a Homework Club during the day; every Wednesday in partnership with the local youth service of the Lower Ormeau Residents ’Action Group (LORAG). The numbers in this Society are also increasing again and again.

There are 9 youth workers working in the Association and six of them have recently completed OCN level 2 training in youth work. One youth worker is currently going to OCN level 3 in youth work.