Westmeath teenagers attend youth leadership conference

250 teenagers from around the world gathered in Maynooth University recently for the Foróige Leadership for Life Youth Conference. The conference, which was launched last week, brings young people together to learn the skills and confidence to become leaders in their own lives and communities.

Three aspiring young leaders from Westmeath Sophie Lyne, Sinéad Smith and Anna Smith were in attendance at the event.

During the week-long conference the teens learn crucial life skills such as empathy, decision making, problem solving, communication skills, critical thinking and team work.

Seán Campbell, CEO of Foróige, said “leadership for life is a circuit-breaker programme and can truly be life-changing for young people. 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," she said.

Foróige Leadership for Life programme was developed in Ireland in 2009 and is open to young adults aged 15-18. Delegates attending this year's event have been nominated by youth workers and volunteer leaders from their own countries because they have demonstrated an innate sense of justice, determination, passion and ability to lead and make positive changes in their own communities.

The programme includes lectures by a host of inspirational speakers, workshops on team building, critical thinking and communication skills and peer discussions on matters of global importance. Young people will also be challenged to understand their own values and prejudices. Participants are encouraged to go beyond their own personal comfort zones and perceived capabilities to be better than they thought they could be.