Six young people from Mayo attend Foróige Leadership for Life Youth Conference

SIX young people from Mayo were among the 350 teenagers from around the world who gathered in Maynooth, Co Kildare, for Foróige’s Leadership for Life Youth Conference.

Mia Gallagher, Ella Cosgrove, Clodagh O'Boyle, Tianha Johnson, Caoimhe Flynn and Michael O'Sullivan Irwin were among those who attended the week-long conference, where teens learn crucial life skills such as empathy, decision making, problem solving, communication skills, critical thinking and team work.

The conference, which happened last week on the grounds of Maynooth University, brings together young people from the USA, Ukraine, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, South Africa and Ireland to learn how to become leaders in their own lives.

As part of the week-long conference, the delegates will meet inspirational guest speakers including Norah Patten, an Irish aeronautical engineer and an award winning STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) advocate from Ballina.

Seán Campbell, CEO of Foróige, said: "The conference gives young people the chance to not just learn from the speakers and facilitators, but to learn from each other in a fun and safe environment. This week is not only about creating new relationships and learning new skills; it’s about transforming as an individual. I’m continually in awe of what young people can achieve when given the opportunity and it’s weeks like these that give them that opportunity."