Teenagers from Mayo attend Foróige’s Youth Leadership Conference

A group of Mayo teenagers have attended Foróige’s Youth Leadership Conference in Maynooth University.

250 teenagers from around the world gathered at Maynooth University to attend the week-long conference.

Amongs the conference’s guest speakers was Mayo’s youngest representative, Councillor Mark Duffy.

Cllr Duffy is an independent county councillor and former Mayor of Ballina. 

The councillor welcomed President Biden during his homecoming visit to the town in front of a 27,000 strong crowd in 2023.

The conference, which was launched last week, brought together young people to learn the skills and confidence to become leaders in their own lives and communities.

The teens learned crucial life skills during the week of the conference such as empathy, decision-making, problem-solving, communication skills, critical thinking and teamwork.

Seán Campbell, CEO of Foróige, called the conference ‘a circuit-breaker programme’ which can be ‘life-changing’ for young people. 

He continued: “This conference gives them the chance to not just learn from expert speakers and facilitators, but also to develop themselves and grow with each other in a fun and relaxed environment. Year-on-year, I’m amazed by what young people can achieve when given the chance and the support. Every young person deserves to be able to access programmes like this.”

Aadila Iyemat spoke at the Gala dinner about her journey throughout the week.

“What started as one of the worst experiences of my life has turned into one of the most meaningful. I found strength I didn’t know I had and made a handful of friends who made this journey worthwhile. I went from feeling like an outsider to feeling like I belonged. This week taught me that even in the darkest times, there is always hope, and there is always a way forward,” explained Ms Iyemat.

Other inspirational guest speakers at the conference included renowned disability activist, Joanne O’Riordan, RTÉ’s diversity and inclusion lead, Zbyszek Zalinsk, and ornithologist, wildlife sound recordist, and environmental activist, Seán Ronayne.

For more information on the conference, see the Foróige website.