A new cross-border and cross-community programme for young people aged 14-24, ‘Strive’, was launched on 7th November 2024. Strive is supported by the PEACEPLUS Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
Strive is a youth-led youth work programme that engages young people in a transformative process, focusing on five core strands: good relations, citizenship, personal development, employability, and positive progression. The programme is led by Include Youth in partnership with Northern Ireland Alternatives, Newstart Education Centre, Youth Initiatives and Lifford Clonleigh Resource Centre.
Between January 2024 and December 2027, the programme will support over 1,500 young people from across Northern Ireland and the border counties.
“The new Strive project will support young people to develop skills to help them progress to the next stage of their life journey. With stubbornly high levels of economic inactivity across the north, particularly within younger age groups, transformational programmes such as this are very welcome. “This project promotes greater participation in community and society and contributes to a significant improvement in participants’ life chances, enabling them to realise their potential. Encouraging participation in supportive inclusion programmes such as this, is a critical part of tackling economic inactivity.”
“I am delighted to welcome the launch of the cross-border, youth-led youth work programme Strive. Strive will have a transformative impact on the young people involved in this programme and the skills and experience they will gain through taking part will have a lasting impact, helping to broaden their skillset, experience a sense of ownership, and provide invaluable contributions to their communities. “I want to express my personal gratitude to Include Youth, Northern Ireland Alternatives, Newstart Education Centre, Youth Initiatives, and Lifford Clonleigh Resource Centre for their efforts in contributing to this programme. Their work will have a significant impact on the young people of Ireland and Northern Ireland. I would also like to thank the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) who through PEACEPLUS have supported this programme and made it possible. The successful launch of Strive is a testament to the collaborative efforts between SEUPB and the supporting organisations. To the young people who will take part, I wish you every success as you begin your journey with Strive and I encourage you to make the most of this incredible opportunity.”
The launch was a fantastic success with a vibrant atmosphere, from live music to interactive games and hearing directly from young people who have already benefitted from the programme and how it has set them up for their futures. There has been such a strong impact made already and this will only continue throughout the next three years.
Throughout the afternoon, young people spoke of the benefit from one-on-one mentoring sessions, enriching cultural visits, employability workshops, and collaborative group activities that fostered acceptance and helping developing confidence. Additionally young people explained how they have adopted a more accepting attitude and are ready to positively progress to either training, education or employment and actively engage within their communities.
A unique aspect of the Strive programme is how the young people work closely with Experts by Experience (EBE)—young people who have navigated similar challenges—which is at the forefront of the programme’s design and implementation. Working with skilled and experienced youth workers, these EBE’s inspire and support participants in taking the lead in setting the agenda for the programme, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment in their journey toward positive change.
“Young people truly are our future and the Strive project will be invaluable to providing them with the tools and opportunities to realise their potential and achieve their goals. “Clear pathways to a better future are essential for long-term peace building and reconciliation, and through PEACEPLUS projects, such as Strive, we can help shape the leaders of tomorrow and put in place the foundations for greater collaboration and cohesion within our society. Congratulations to all the partners. I commend your collective ambition and vision, which will have a real impact on our young people and society generally.”
