The objective of Corrymeela's youth programmes is to create safe spaces where young people from diverse backgrounds can come and meet each other within an atmosphere of trust and acceptance and where differences can be acknowledged, explored and accepted. Corrymeela works in a variety of ways to make meaningful connections with young people through shared experiences. This work plays an essential role in our post-conflict society where there is an ever increasing need to accept diversity. Our seasoned and skilled staff offer a wide range of resources to enable youth to develop mutual understanding, prejudice-reduction and conflict-resolution within a community context.
Corrymeela Youth Programmes include:
• Conferences/events
• Good relations
• Issue based work
• Self programming groups
• International experiencesConferences/Team Events:
For more then forty years Corrymeela has devised and adapted programmes to be relevant within a young person’s world.
Conferences and events cover issues including single identity, cross-community, cross-border (local and European), unemployment, special needs, international exchange and leadership training.
The professional Youth workers at Corrymeela facilitate the development of positive relationships between the visiting group leaders and the young people in their care.
Good Relations Programmes:With Northern Ireland’s violent history and divided societies, it is imperative young people are given the time to explore issues together, an opportunity often made impossible by segregated schooling, housing and sport.
Many significant Corrymeela youth programmes take place in contentious interface areas.
Issue based work:
Because every group Corrymeela works with has particular needs, programmes are tailor-made to accommodate, and best deal with, these requirements. Some concentrate on political awareness while others emphasize personal relationships.
Issues based programmes cover many areas counting health awareness, racial and cultural awareness and good relations.
Self programming:
Self programming groups with a specific agenda for example Education & Library Boards as well as church based youth groups may book residential at Corrymeela relating to their own interests. These groups can book on a full board basis and running their own activities.
Corrymeela staff can facilitate or develop programmes to cover:
• Conflict management/resolution
• Prejudice/stereotyping
• Citizenship awareness
• Global awareness/human rights
• Personal development/reflection
• Exploring identity in a multi cultural society
• Diversity and inclusion
• Sectarianism in a post conflict society
• Exploring spiritualityA variety of delivery methods may be used including:
• Whole group activities and/or small group work
• Visits to other groups and places with development of links to similar groups
• Day visits and residential at the Corrymeela Centre, Ballycastle
• Adventure learning (outdoor activities)
• Creative learning (art, music, drama)
• Wide range of team building including indoor activities
• Visiting places of interest, that are local to the Youth group
• Corrymeela Youth worker develops programme prior to and after residential stay.For more information contact:
Ivan Cross
Youth Programme Co-ordinator
Corrymeela House
8 Upper Crescent
Belfast BT7 1NT
Tel 02890 508080
ivancross@corrymeela.org