International youth leadership conference gets underway in Maynooth
- Leadership Conference will be attended by 250 teenagers from around the world.
- Teens from almost every county in Ireland will take part.
- Young delegates to arrive from Saudi Arabia, India and the USA.
- Speakers include leaders in the field of psychology, media & fitness
250 teenagers from Saudi Arabia, India, the USA and Ireland are gathering in Kildare this week for an international youth conference with a difference.
Foróige’s Leadership for Life Youth Conference, which was launched this morning on the grounds of NUI Maynooth, brings together teenagers from vastly different cultures and life experiences to share leadership skills.
During the week-long conference, the teenagers work together to break down barriers and learn the skills and attitudes to become strong leaders who have the ambition and courage to make a positive difference in the world
Seán Campbell, CEO of Foróige, said “Leadership is singular ability which is vastly important in the modern world and can be learned. It begins with leading oneself.
“Great leadership is grounded in respect and the ability to inspire. In the week ahead these young leaders will uncover the greatness within themselves and their own unique leadership style.
“This conference is special as it gives teenagers from vastly different cultures and backgrounds a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet around one common purpose – the development of our next generation of leaders.
The 250 delegates, aged 15 to 18, will graduate on Saturday morning (August 6th) having completed various stages of the leadership programme.
As part of the week-long conference, the delegates will meet inspirational guest speakers including: (You are invited to send representative)
- Joan Freeman, founder of the suicide prevention centre Pieta House, she is a psychologist and Senator, with a focus this year is on child and adolescent mental health.
(Speaking on Wednesday, August 3rd, 16.15pm – 17.15pm, (Iontas Building at NUI Maynooth)
- Pat Divilly, is a transformation coach, bestselling author and entrepreneur from Galway.
After struggling with his first personal training business in Dublin and moving home to Galway, Pat started a small fitness boot-camp on his local beach which quickly grew into the largest fitness community in the country.
(Speaking on Thursday, August 4th, 12.15pm – 1.15pm, Iontas Building at NUI Maynooth)
- Joe Duffy is a broadcaster employed by Raidió Teilifís Éireann and presenter of Liveline. He recently released his award winning book Children of the Rising with Hachette.
(Speaking on Friday, August 5th, 9am – 10am, Iontas Building at NUI Maynooth)
Notes to Editors
The Foróige Leadership for Life Programme was developed in Ireland in 2009 and is open to young adults aged 15-18.
Delegates attending have been nominated by youth workers and volunteer leaders from their own countries because they have demonstrated an innate sense of justice, determination, passion and ability to lead and make positive changes in their own communities.
The programme includes lectures by a host of inspirational speakers, workshops on team building, critical thinking and communication skills and peer discussions on matters of global importance.
Young people will also be challenged to understand their own values and prejudices. Participants are encouraged to go beyond their own personal comfort zones and perceived capabilities to be better than they thought they could be.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Helena Clarke, Foróige Marketing Communications Officer
087 632 5138 / 01 630 1732
Foróige is the leading youth organisation in Ireland. The charity works with over 50,000 young people and 5,500 adult volunteers annually, through a network of more than 600 youth clubs & cafés, 150 targeted projects and national programmes such as Citizenship, Health & Wellbeing, Entrepreneurship and Leadership.
Foroige.ie
Twitter.com/Foroige
Facebook.com/Foroige
YouTube.com/Foroigechannel
