Last weekend Queen’s University Belfast marked a significant milestone with the graduation of its inaugural cohort from the Level 4 Certificate in Youth Leadership and Community Action. Delivered in collaboration with Foróige and R-CITY, this programme has opened new avenues for young people aged 16-18, empowering them with essential leadership skills.
The graduation ceremony celebrated the achievements of 32 young leaders from Belfast’s Ardoyne and Shankill areas. Over the two-year course, these students honed critical skills such as problem-solving, empathy, and resilience through engaging, community-focused projects. Dr. Ryan Feeney, Vice President for Governance and External Affairs at Queen’s, expressed pride in the graduates, noting the program’s ripple effect on society: “Education is about empowering individuals and recognising that there are many pathways to development.”
Developed by Foróige, the Level 4 Certificate equips participants with vital leadership capabilities while R-CITY facilitated dynamic modules that kept students engaged. Seán Campbell, CEO of Foróige, noted that the programme equips young people with the skills necessary for success in college and beyond: “The programme allows young people to develop key skills, critical thinking, good communication, creative problem solving, planning and goal setting, empathy and resilience. These are the key skills for success in college, work and life. The youth leadership programme teaches skills to the young people, and then challenges them to use these skills, to master these skills, in community and social action projects and engagements.”
