Thirteen youth groups from throughout Tralee, Castleisland and surrounding areas received €4,000 in funds at this year’s Youth Union Community Awards Night.
Five different,neighbouring groups including those from: Castleisland; Brosna; Firies; Knocknagoshel and Loughfouder came away from the event with awards for specific projects that will enhance their own areas.
Youth Union is a joint initiative between Tralee Credit Union and Kerry Diocesan Youth Service (K.D.Y.S.) – a 1971 founded charity supporting young people. It aims to get its young members actively participating in the development of their own communities and environments.
Young people are encouraged to apply for funding towards community projects in their local area. Since its formation in 2011 Youth Union has awarded a total of €14,000 to youth projects that have made a significant contribution to their communities.
This year, Youth Leaders from the parish of Castlegregory’s K.D.Y.S Projects were elected onto the Youth Union. They have spent the last few weeks going through the application forms and awarding funds to the different community based projects.
Kathleen Higgins, K.D.Y.S. explained the thinking behind the initiative: “Youth Union is a great opportunity to educate our students on the responsibility of money management, budgeting and business skills and also to generate much needed funds to youth projects throughout the community,” said Kathleen.
While Orla O’Shea, Youth Development, Tralee Credit Union summed up the success of the event: “We are delighted with this year’s response to Youth Union. A wide selection of youth projects have benefitted from funding here tonight which we hope will be enjoyed by everyone. It’s great to see so many youth groups doing so much active work for their own communities,” said Orla.
The list of award winners and projects in the Castleisland and surrounding areas is as follows:
Our Fight for Positive Thinking: A bench to be erected in the River Walk area of Castleisland beside An Riocht Running Track.
Knocknagoshel Youth Group: A pantomime/nativity play at Christmas for the children.
Firies Youth Group: A decorate the area of Marion Hall and development of a summer programme for its members.
Brosna National School Green Schools Committee A plant flowers/shrubs on approach road to the school and place window boxes on windows at the front of the school.
Loughfounder National School: Couch to 5K. the aim of the programme is to improve the health and fitness of parents, teachers, students and members of the wider community.
