ECHO ISSUE 1

Issue 1: Oct-Dec 2007

Welcome to the First Edition of ECHO, a new Youth Information Centre newsletter for the young people of Letterkenny.

Our team of young reporters have been working hard throughout the summer to bring you a mix of news, views, entertainment and information that you simply can’t do without.

etter

th ny You n e k r e t

Let

Info

wsl tre Ne n e C n rmatio

In this edition we talk to those who have just completed exams, we look back at what has been a busy summer for the YIC and Loft and we hear from young people on why they feel mosquito alarms just have to go. The YIC share premises and work in close partnership with the LOFT LK. This newsletter will be published every 3 months and we want it to be an opportunity for you, as young people, to really have your voice heard.

Enjoy!

Marty

Youth Information Officer

News

Next Step e h T – I Y F r e umm Review of the S g Up? in m o C ’s t a h W Speak Out

YIC & LOFT NEWS

SUN SHINES ON PARTY IN THE PARK The sun shone on Party in the Park ’07, as all four bands from the Battle of the Bands took to the stage on July 14th. Young people from the Youth Information Centre had been working alongside the people of the Earagail Arts Festival and Donegal Youth Council to bring you a fun filled day. Plans for Party in the Park ’08 are already underway, and if any young people would like to get involved in the organising committee contact Frankie in the YIC at 07491-29640

YIC LAUNCH NEW PODCAST SERVICE The Youth Information Centre have launched a new podcasting service, which is available for download from http://yicletterkenny.podomatic. com/. The podcast is like a short radio bulletin, which will be produced Party in the Park 2007

monthly by the centre, and you can already listen to the August, September and October podcasts online. YIC YAC’s Dapo Egberongbe, Niall McDonagh and Youth Information Officer, Martin Keeney, are the presenters on the podcast and you can also hear a number of other voices you will recognise, as there will be local news, entertainment news and local information that is relevant to you. The Youth Information update will also be broadcast monthly on Highland Radio on the Power Hour with Ivan Boreland at 6.30pm. Go check it out now!

OMBUDSMAN FOR CHILDREN VISITS LOFT AND YIC Ireland’s first ever nationwide children’s ballot has just taken place on November 8th and the Ombudsman for Children, Emily Logan, was in town to tell us all about it. Emily Logan came to Letterkenny in October Pocast presenters Dapo & Niall

to meet with representatives from the Loft and YIC. The Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO) role is to make sure that the government and other people who make decisions about young people really think about what is best for young people. They are finalising their plans for what issues they will be campaigning on for young people over the next 3 years. To find out more log on to http://www.oco.ie/

YOUTH COUNCIL SEEK FURTHER DISCOUNTS FOR DONEGAL STUDENTS The good people of studenttravelcard.ie have given the go ahead for the Donegal Youth Council to encourage Donegal businesses to offer discount to young people upon presentation of the card. The card already offers discounts on services such as Bus Eireann and larger national retailers, but the Youth Council are keen to get local smaller businesses on board too. Youth councillors will be approaching businesses over the coming Ombudsman for Children Emily Logan

months, with a view to gaining further discounts for students from the county in a range of local outlets. The Student travel card is currently available from the Youth Information Centre.

YIC & LOFT SEEK VOLUNTEERS The Loft and Youth Information Centre are now seeking volunteers to help support the work of both centres. If you are over 18, have an interest in media, the creative arts or youth work and would like to offer as little as two hours a week we want to hear from you now. Talk to Marty in the YIC or Orla in the Loft.

REVIEW OF THE SUMMER Shaun Hegarty takes a look at all that has happened in the YIC and Loft this Summer.

Top Left: YIC Sculpture Project 2007 - Top Middle: Student Grants evenings - Top Right: LOFT Junior activity weekend Bottom Left: LOFT Senior activity weekend - Bottom Middle: LOFT Young Womens Group - Bottom Right: Berkeley

was unveiled at the beginning of October. Thirty young

BERKELEY AND STRATOSPHERIC GIG AT THE REGIONAL CULTURAL CENTRE

people including ten youth leaders took part. The youth

On Friday 20th July, I arrived a little early but went on in

leaders received 4 days of intensive training in sculpture

to the Auditorium where the concert would take place.

and assisted in the creation of the sculpture based

The Regional Cultural Centre’s gig area isn’t huge, but

upon the Flight of the Earls. The aim of the project has

it turned out to be perfect for the night that was in it.

been to create a large sculpture of the bow of a ship.

Stratospheric were on first supporting Berkeley. They

There have been 5 teams of sculptors, each led by two

were in my opinion the better band, having a more

youth leaders. Each team took turns on working on the

original sound, but there were many there who would

sculpture.

have and have already contradicted me on that point.

SCULPTURE PROJECT The Sculpture project started on the 3rd of July and

COOKING UP A STORM

By the time Berkeley took to the stage the place had really filled up, which may have contributed to the

Cooking days organised by the Loft, which cost a mere

idea that they were better. The night also provided an

€4 were well worth the money. We were sorted into

opportunity for this year’s media group to meet up to

groups and made various things, including cookies,

celebrate what has been a busy and successful year for

brownies and a couple of chicken dishes, with the

us and some of us even had the chance to throw a few

brownies by far the most satisfying and tasty. Everyone

dodgy shapes on the dancefloor.

tried to play a part in the making of each of the foods.

I think I can say we all had fun in the 5 or so hours we spent in the kitchen with Kerry. It was a good learning opportunity and I’m sure we all took something from it, be it knowledge or simply good food!

FYI - THE NEXT STEP No matter what level of education you are entering you can see it as a tough hurdle to jump over. As we hear from Loft and YIC regulars the real experience is never quite as daunting as the media and others hype it up to be!

LIFE OF A STUDENT Loft and Yic regular John Ruddy has just entered second year of his Bachelor of Education course in St Pat’s in Dublin, and is hoping to go on to become a primary school teacher. Brian McLaughlin caught up with him to find out how college life was treating him.

How do you find it overall?

Really good, I am studying education studies, learning about a child’s development, the philosophy of education and psychology of it. You also take academic subjects, two in first year and pick one to continue with in second year.

I myself did English and Music. Both of these were great.

It’s difficult narrowing down things like the books to do in English, but I got good marks in the end.

How do you find it at the moment?

Brilliant, but it can be a bit hectic. We were given assignments in October, November ad December and people were saying there was plenty of time, but as time went on, they built up. By the last two weeks it seemed to just be essay, essay, essay. It was really busy and stressful.

Fair enough, it is college, but it’s a good tip to stay on top of your work and get it all done.

What’s the best part of the college lifestyle?

Meeting new people from all over the country, and getting a new view of the country. I find you get so much more patriotic of our home county. When you are at home, Donegal is just Donegal, but when you’re down there it becomes the best place in Ireland, but I’ve made friends from all over the country, from Mayo, Tipperary, Kilkenny and Leitrim, but I’ll not hold that against her!

Anything you don’t really like?

Nothing that you can avoid, stress levels are a given but the course is very good.

Would you recommend the course to a certain type of person or would anyone be good at it?

Well, obviously you would be interested in doing primary teaching. Different colleges that do it take very different approaches. Our college has twelve weeks of solid teaching practice, whereas in Marino, they have you out on teaching observation every Friday at home. So you’re constantly getting experience of the classroom. With St.Pat’s, you

seem to go into the classroom and go, “Ah, so that’s what they were talking about in the lecture, ahh!”. I’d recommend St. Pat’s. It’s a three year course, as opposed to the others that are a four year course. It is obvious though, that it is a four year course crammed into three years!

THE LEAVING CERT - IS IT THAT BAD? Michael Shiels has just completed his Leaving Cert. Stephen Coyle asks him whether it really is that big of a deal.

How well prepared did you feel for it?

Reasonably well. However a large amount of the things I spent a considerable amount of time on didn’t turn up in any shape or form, in particular the History paper, which I found disappointing.

Would you say your studying played a more important role than your classes?

Yeah, the two weeks off before the exams helped a lot, even if most of the stuff I studied didn’t turn up. However I did pick up a few things that came in handy over the course of the exams.

Were the mocks a good representation of the final exam?

Not at all. Some of the papers were a lot easier than expected, in particular English, Irish, Maths and Geography.

However I found some of the papers such as History and Art History more complicated than I would have wished.

Do you think it’s hyped more than it should be?

It is very hyped up. It puts a lot of unnecessary pressure on young people to do well. The timetabling of the exams needs to be amended substantially as well. In particular the first day (English) involves a lot of writing which when added to Irish the following day (which only ended at 5.10pm) leaves a lot of people feeling shattered by the first weekend.

FYI - THE NEXT STEP JUNIOR CERT Mark Hamilton completed his Junior Certificate at St Eunan’s College this year.

How do you find it overall?

I found it difficult, as you must pass your 3 years in order to go to Transition year. The first year is easy to start with.

You have to study most of the time and do your exams. I found it hard as some subjects I am weak on like maths. In second year you do not have exams, but you still have to study.

What was the best part of the year?

When I got to meet new people in my class group and learn about new subjects that I never knew about like business studies. We got to learn about how people work in the real world!

What was your least favourite part of the year?

My least favourite part of the school year was getting lots of homework. Some of the teachers get angry easily too!

School can be annoying sometimes, but I have made a lot of new friends.

What advice would you give to someone going into Junior Cert this year?

I would advise that you do at least 2-3 hours study and read over notes from previous years. Its not easy, but important if you really want to get good results.

TOP TIPS FOR GETTING ON IN COLLEGE Attend your lectures & tutorials – Boring we know but crucial that you keep up with your studies.

Budget for the year – This is absolutely vital!!! Give yourself a fixed amount to spend each week and try to stick to this figure.

Make sure your accommodation is suitable – Don’t believe the horror stories. Just because you are a student doesn’t mean you have to live in a slum!

Eat properly – This may seem obvious, but failure to do so will almost certainly result in health problems.

Fast food is neither healthy nor good value for money!

Get to know the library – a recommended reading

list is not necessarily a “buying” list. Check the library, check notice boards to see if old books are for sale second-hand or simply photocopy if only certain sections of a book are required.

If you’re homesick –Talk to someone about what you’re going through, whether it’s new friends, someone back home or the student welfare officer.

Just voicing your worries will help you.

Enjoy yourself – your time spent at college will be one that you remember for the rest of your life. Get the balance right, work hard, but also... go out and enjoy yourself!

A GUIDE TO SECONDARY SCHOOL Starting secondary school can be a difficult time for any young person. Remember you are not the only person who is starting secondary school and that nearly every student starting, is feeling just like you. Here are some tips to help you in the move from primary to secondary school: - Be yourself and don’t show off - there is no need to try to impress other students - Treat all students the way that you would like to be treated.

- Try to make friend with a variety of people.

- Remember that all of the other new students have similar feelings about starting a new school – whether they show it or not.

- Try and make some contact with older students that you know in the school - Remember teachers are there to help you. Make contact with those you feel comfortable with and share your worries, concerns and strengths with them.

- Do find out and get involved in extra-curricular activities.

- Get a good balance between work and play and enjoy your new school.

USEFUL LINKS www.qualifax.ie www. skoool.ie www.cao.ie/ www.scoilnet.ie www.youthinformation.ie www.fas.ie

If you would like to look at your next step, come and talk to a member of staff at the Youth Information Centre or call us on: 074 129640

VIEWS FROM THE SECOND FLOOR TEENS WANT MOSQUITO ALARM TO BUZZ OFF The mosquito device has caused controversy since its instalment outside a number of businesses in the town. After the initial onslaught of media attention there hasn’t been much discussion on it recently in Letterkenny. The young people of the YIC & LOFT are clear in their view on it however.

Jason Murray - 13 It’s not fair, just because a couple of young people are doing bad stuff they blame all of us. Just ask the people to leave nicely.

Emma Gallagher - 14 I don’t think it’s fair because only teenagers can hear it. If they are really bothering you by shouting and stuff, you could just say “could you please just leave. Some adults also act like children and we are getting the blame for it!

Catherine Kelly - 17 I think it is completely unjust; it criminalizes all young people and makes them feel unwelcome in their own town. It’s really not fair. It treats young people like rodents and the mosquito could also post health risks. There obviously is some sort of a problem, but I think there should be a compromise, as it’s not fair to discriminate against all young people. Maybe if there was a code drawn up, if you don’t behave then leave.

Chris Gallagher - 17 I think it is unnecessary, unfair and useless. It just aggravates teenagers more. It’s an unfair way to treat all teenagers, as opposed to selecting just a few. There are some teenagers who will cause trouble but it is up to the owners of the premises to tell the guilty teenagers to go away, not to use an alarm that sends everyone away. The owners of the business should be brave enough to go out and tell the teenagers to go away. It is their responsibility to give the teenagers a chance to walk away instead of causing trouble. We all have equal rights and people can’t just target a certain age. People are afraid of teenagers because of the negative newspaper reports, which is understandable, but we shouldn’t be treated differently.

Kevin Carter - 15 It seems that if teenagers are all standing together in one place that we must be up to something unruly. It is very unfair; it goes against all the UN rights that adults have tried to enforce which say not to stereotype people by their age or where they come from. It’s hypocritical. Manners go a long way, and asking someone to leave politely usually works. Adults are not criminalized if they haven’t done anything wrong, but young people seem to be.

Michael Gallagher - 17 It completely degrades young people. I mean hunters use the same thing to chase away dogs, and now the same thing is being used to chase young people. It paints every youth with the same brush as if they are all bad. Just politely ask people to move on, because it actually does work. Everybody should be treated the same no matter their age.

WHAT IS A MOSQUITO ALARM? The Mosquito is a device that has been specifically designed to disperse groups of young people who may be loitering in areas where businesses feel they could be a nuisance. The system generates a pulsed, high frequency tone at approx 17 - 18KHz.

RCC / STAFF PROFILE educational programme we will have workshops for young people around the gallery space and create specific exhibitions for young people.”

RCC COMMITTED TO PROVIDING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE The Regional Cultural Centre opened behind An Grianán Theatre in Letterkenny recently. We sent Hugh McDaid along to find out what exactly the centre will offer for young people.

As you approach the Regional Cultural centre you are immediately struck by the futuristic architecture, so its clear that young people will be attracted to the centre. As the Letterkenny Arts Centre’s Taryn Gleeson, now based at the centre, explains there has been a lot of effort made to ensure young people will be very welcome and very much involved.

One thing young bands in Letterkenny often complain about is a lack of rehearsal space, but the RGC is committed to giving young bands a helping hand. Taryn says, “We are also involved in the Battle of the Bands and Party in the Park. Two music rehearsal rooms are available and a range of equipment; laptops, video cameras and dictaphones.”

It doesn’t stop at music however. All aspects of the creative arts will be catered for, There will be a regular film club, there will be touring dance and drama companies from around Ireland performing here, ones that are too small for An Grianán”.

As a young person I think we need to really welcome the opening of facilities like this in the area. Too often people can complain about having nothing to do, but with a centre like this so close there is no reason why young people can’t seek the opportunity to explore their creative side, and have some serious fun in the process!

“The council have employed an education outreach manager, so there’s someone specifically working to create different programmes for young people. They have also employed a digital media manager, so there will be digital media training courses, and two fully equipped digital media training rooms. There will be lots of different courses running, short courses, night courses, accredited courses. As part of the continuing

FROM SOUTH AMERICA TO LOFT LK Each edition of ECHO will offer you an opportunity to get to know the staff and volunteers a bit better.

This time around it’s the turn of Deirdre Gallagher or Dee as she is better known in the Loft LK. She told us about the highs and lows of her work, and why she decided to go down the road of working with young people.

Job Title: Youth Project Worker in the LOFT LK Tell me about yourself: I am originally from Sligo and I moved to Letterkenny two years ago after spending a few years travelling

and living in South America. During that time I worked as a volunteer with disadvantaged children and young people, which led me to become interested in working in the field of Youth Work and Community Development on a long term basis.

What does your job entail?

My work involves designing and implementing training and development programmes for young people in the Letterkenny area. I also supervise in the drop-in centre on a regular basis and offer one-to-one support to young people who use the centre. The aim of this work is to encourage young people to make informed choices about their lives and to examine, in a positive way, the issues affecting them so that they can participate in their Community as active citizens with a voice of their own.

What is your favourite thing about your job?

Working with young people.... Always interesting, surprising and often highly entertaining!

Anything you don’t like?

Administration work.... And picking up Mr Freeze wrappers!!

YIC TEENS ENJOY TRIP OF A LIFETIME A group of local Letterkenny teenagers have just returned from an International Exchange in Poland. The exchange, which was funded by Leargas, was organised by the Letterkenny Youth Information centre.

The exchange took place over 10 days in Zakopane, south of Krakow, with young people from Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania and the host country all participating. Local lad Chris Blockley was one of the participants on the exchange.

He says it was an incredible experience. “It was amazing.

We met so many people from different cultures and got to learn about so many different traditions. One new tradition we were shown was when someone new comes into a house in Poland you dip bread into salt and eat it, which I didn’t think tasted very good to be honest. We tried loads of different international foods as well, which was an experience.”

The St Eunan’s student also had the honour of being the last speaker on the day. “The Minister spoke first and they had various speakers and then I was up last and I had to explain all about the Loft. On the way home I got a call from Matt Cooper on the Last Word on Today FM and I did a live interview with him.”

Despite the size of the event, Brian says he was unfazed by the large audience in attendance. “I was a bit nervous and my voice was a bit shaky, but overall it was alright. I was surprised myself, as everyone was shaking my hand and saying well done.”

With the central theme of the week being about celebrating the power and influence of sport Chris would urge anyone to take part in a opportunity like this. “We were involved in all different types of sports and activities too. I am definitely much more into walking. We went on a 17km hike one day and now coming back I wouldn’t even think twice about walking anywhere. If you ever get the chance to take part in something like this just go for it, it’s amazing fun.”

LETTERKENNY TEENAGER HELPS LAUNCH RECREATIONAL POLICY

YOUTH MEDIA GROUP 07/08 UNDERWAY

Youth media group member, Brian McLaughlin, had an incredible experience recently when he was asked to speak at the launch of the new National Recreational Policy in Dublin. Brian appeared on stage alongside Minister for Children, Brendan Smyth, and a host of other distinguished guests.

The Youth Information Centre and Loft LK youth media group for 2007/08 is now up and running. The media group is a fantastic opportunity for Transition Year students to learn new skills and have their voice heard.

If you are entering Transition Year and would like to join the Loft and YIC media group you can contact Martin Keeney at the Youth Information Centre at 07491-29640 or just drop into the Youth Information Centre or Loft on the Port Road.

Brian was representing the Loft LK and Letterkenny Youth Information Centre, after being asked to present the youth café and youth information centre as a model of best practice for young people on a nationwide basis.

Brian says, “the event itself was the launch of Teenspace, which is the national recreational policy and they are trying to get more health cafes like the Loft set up around the country.”

As Brian explains it was quite an experience. “I did a radio interview for 2FM the night before and then that morning we had to travel to Dublin. At about 11.30am I had to do interviews with Today FM and Independent Network News”.

ABOUT THE LOFT LK The Loft LK is a Youth Project and Adolescent Health Advice Café managed in partnership between the Donegal Youth Service with funding being provided by the Health Service Executive.

NOW ENROLLING! Youth Health - Art - Drama - Media Skills - Personal Development - Peer Leadership - Peer Education - Young Women’s group - Much more....

Call in and see how you can get involved.

Loft LK Youth Project & Health Café 16-18 Port Road, Letterkenny, Co Donegal Phone 07491-88271 or email lkyouthcafe@yahoo.ie

If you are entering Transition Year and would like to join the Loft and YIC media group you can contact Martin Keeney at the Youth Information Centre at 07491-29640 or just drop into the Youth Information Centre or Loft on the Port Road.

ABOUT THE LETTERKENNY YOUTH INFORMATION CENTRE The Youth Information Centre is a well established resource for the local community providing Young people and those who work with them a one stop shop for information and training opportunities in the following areas: Job and Housing Lists - Law and Justice - CV Preparation Travel opportunities - College applications - Student Travel card service - Practice for Driver Theory Test - Leadership training - Media skills training - Drop in service Letterkenny Youth Information Centre, 16-18 Port Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal Tel 0749129640 or email yicletterkenny@eircom.net