Echo Autumn edition

ECHO

Letterkenny Youth Information Centre Newsletter 16-18 Port Road, Letterkenny Tel 074-9129640

Autumn Edition 2017

Are they talking about the new look of DYS? How were the summer campS this year?

what happened in party in the park? what about the culture night in dys?

staff members

Gareth Gibson

Youth Information Manager

dominic MC GLINCHEY

YIC Youth Worker

KATARZyNA KURZEJA

Youth Information Officer

Elena jimenez anino

European Volunteer Service (YIC)

billy banda

CE Assistant Youth Information Officer

dmytro khak

European Volunteer Service (YIC) emma wilkie

CE Assistant Youth Information Officer

contents YOUTH INFORMATION CENTre evs back to school college tips THE LOFT Summer CampS PARTY THE PARk breakouT daybreak dONEGAL YOUTH COUNCIL talking with... culture night

YOUTH INFORMATION CENTre aUTUMN HAS ARRIVED!!

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e would like to say big hello to all of you. It is so hard to believe but it is a factAutumn has arrived. It is getting colder and darker earlier. Just wondering what you can do after school? Take a look at our brand new newsletter, stuffed with information about new and existing projects, clubs and general information about life in Donegal Youth Service.

We had really busy Summer time in YIC and drop-in. We were helping young people and their parents with all the Leaving Certificate issues and concerns. As every year we have been brainstorming how we can improve our service.

Spontaneously we came up with an idea to refresh our office, to make it more welcoming and brighter. We hope you like it as much as we like it!

Enjoy your reading!

And remember - our friendly team is here for you, always ready to answer all your questions.

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Enjoy your reading! And remember - our friendly team is here for you, always ready to answer all your questions.

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Training of trainers on eLearing Methodologies

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n 12-16 June 2017 in Helsinki, Finland there was a training organised by ERYICA in cooperation with various European and national agencies and organisations, including Youth Work Ireland.

Our Youth Information Officer, Kasia, went to Helsinki and become part of international team involved in preparation

and testing a content of the course. It is also worth mentioning that Finland is a home for Mumins and for anyone who loves them it was amazing opportunity to experience the Mumins phenomena.

www.donegalyouthservice.ie

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E V S experience Doing aquatic sport with Gareth and Dominic

Elena enjoyed with the camera

Claudia song in Party in the Park

6 Dima helped with the games

Kemal with the guarda, he did not do anything wrong

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www.donegalyouthservice.ie

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internet safety a n d c y b e r b u l ly i n g workshops are back

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ur experienced, dedicated and professional team from Letterkenny Youth Information Centre has been working very hard for several months on something extremely important on your safety online. Gareth, Dominic and Kasia are already delivering Cyber Bullying and Internet Safety workshops for the primary and secondary school student, as well as their parents and teachers.

Now, we will show you a brand new quality...

Stay tuned, more information soon! #CBcountdown

We have a happy winner of our puppet competition!!!

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ight now all work is focused on making the actual puppet we are going to use during our Internet Safety workshops with the youngest student in primary schools. It is getting ready for a big release, an official launch and delivering prices to lucky winner and thier school! For more information follow us in social media:

Facebook: @yicletterkenny Twitter: @yicletterkenny

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www.donegalyouthservice.ie

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back to school

SURVIVAL TIPS TO GET THROUGH THE BACK TO SCHOOL BLUES

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t the beginning of the school year it’s fairly typical to feel: - Stressed or anxious - Sad or down – holidays are over - Pressure or expectations from yourself or others - Physically sick, including headaches or migraines - Concerned about work load or exams coming up.

If you’re experiencing these feelings, it’s important to look after yourself. Take time out to do something that you enjoy.

Even though you might not feel like it, getting some exercise and eating well can help.

Talk to someone else Remember not to bottle things up. If you’re feeling frustrated or angry vent it on your pillow, scream it from your lungs or chat about it with someone you trust - maybe a close friend or family member. Just don’t take it out on yourself by keeping it in.

Being yourself Don’t stress about being popular. It’s about a million times better to have one real friend than lots of people who you can’t be yourself around.

If people don’t like you for who you really are then they are not worth having as friends.

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Healthy breakfast You have heard it a million times before but seriously start your day off with a healthy breakfast. It will keep you going throughout the day and you will be less likely to snack on crisps and sweets.

Listen to your favourite songs in the morning (maybe while in the shower), they will stick in your head the rest of the day and help make your day a little easier.

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it’s important to give it your all.

As long as it’s your best, then you’re giving it all you’ve got.

Write your thoughts Write down some of your favourite quotes in a notebook for inspiration when you need it.

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Find an escape: drawing, playing football, singing, anything - as long as it’s absolutely nothing to do with your schoolbooks!

Don’t tick off the teacher That’s not a good way to start the school year. You have to be there every week, don’t make it any more stressful than it has to be.

Keep up with homework It’s always easier than leaving everything ‘till the last minute and then cramming. If you’re absent for a few days, make sure to get the work you missed.

Freak out prevention: when work piles up, work out which is the most difficult and start there, get it out of the way first rather than putting it off.

Try your best Not everyone can get all A’s, so

Have fun and don’t take it too seriously!

Remember back in the day when you used to read and learn because it was fun and interesting? Forget the pressure to deliver results and just enjoy learning more about this wild world of ours.

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college tips

Attend orientation

I know this seems like a fairly obvious tip, but it’s one that has to be stated regardless.

Orientation days may seem pointless, given that it’s just someone showing you around college and technically people could do such a thing themselves. However do NOT take these days off. They are added to the calendar for a reason. It’s a lot easier to get a quick tour of where your classes will be with someone who knows the place inside out.

Join clubs and societies

Clubs aren’t just good for making friends, they’re also brilliant for keeping a person active. Many sports teams have gym access, which not only saves you the cost of heading in yourself, but more often than not you’ll get priority times on the machines. They’re also an excellent way to keeping fit.

Budget

This I cannot stress enough.

For most of us, college is the first time we’ve had to cook for ourselves, pay bills and essentially gain independence from our families. Universities try to help make this transition as easy as possible; many bills are included in the accommodation fees at the start of the year and most facilities will be near campus to stop you having to travel far for basic necessities.

It’s not these that cause financial pressure however – it’s finding a happy medium between eating a healthy diet, getting enough meals in the day and still being able to afford the nights out and the trips away. Budgeting, as dull as it may sound, is a must-do.

It takes a while to get used to living on a reduced income and not spending all your money on clothes, accessories and

socialising, but it’s possible.

you herself.

Mental health is just as important as physical health, don’t forget that.

Most colleges will have a counsellor on campus that you can go to for little or no cost.

Top tips - Do a weekly shop.

You find yourself less likely to impulse buy at the college restaurant if you’ve food at home and you’ll eat healthier too if you have a well stocked press and not just pot noodle Backup your notes that you bagged for free during If you decide to take notes by Fresher’s Week. Talk to your hand, then keep them safe class rep about trips they’re and photocopy them if planning – ask if you can needs be. If you’re pay in instalments using a laptop, back Anyone (most do this them onto a cloud who puts pressure on anyway but since or USB because you to do something that class reps will be if anything new too, they may doesn’t feel right inside, is happens that not think of this laptop (stolen, not your friend . straight away). broken, etc.) you risk losing If you know an event everything. is coming up, put money aside for it. There’s nothing College isn’t like school – you worse than spending all your are entirely in control of your savings on a night out, only studies. Nobody will force you to find that the class trip is to attend tutorials. Nobody coming up and you’re broke. will care if you go to a lecture or not. Nobody will assign you homework every single night Look after yourself and check up on your notes to Just like budgeting, this is make sure you understood the a dull most-do. Look after material. You are responsible yourself. Eat three good meals for staying ahead so don’t a day. If you feel ill and need abuse this. to see a doctor, don’t put it off because your mum isn’t there to hold your hand and take

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WHAT’S ON IN THE LOFT? MONDAY

tuesday

GIRL’S GROUP

fit FOR LIFE is a sport group where participants will play variety of sports from football to badminton and everything in the group encourages young people to exercise. From 5 to 6pm.

is a group for girls aged 12 to 18 aiming to increase confidence and healthy lifestyle choise. The girls take part in fun activities and are currently exploring the topic of healthy relationships.

wednesday

thursday

world wide voices this is a group of young people with different backgrounds to come together to look at issues affecting us in our community/society.

The group meet from 6 to 8pm.

tea and tunes

is a music group that every Thursday is centered around performances of its members and developing musicical skills and taste.

Meeting from 6 to 8pm.

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friday

“AFTERSCHOOL CLUB“

saturday YOUNG CARERS

from 12 to 2 pm from 2 to 4 pm.

After school on Friday, fun activities, (Bi- weekly) For Young People with extra health and more. caring responsabilities

“FAKEAWAY FRIDAY“

from 4 to 6pm Take-away alternatives.

“MATH TUITION” from 6 to 8pm

Exam preparation and study support for Junior and Leaving Certificate.

“ENTERTAINMENT NIGHTS“

from 7 to 10pm.

Feel-good-Friday, Urban night and Youth bands

s u n i Jo

drop in hours monday 12.00- 6.00 pm Tuesday 12.00- 6.00 pm wednesday 12.00- 8.00 pm thursday 12.00- 8.00 pm friday 12.00- 10.00 pm saturday 2.00- 6.00 pm www.donegalyouthservice.ie

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SUMMER CAMPS MULTI-ACYIVITY

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t was a busy week for participants of the LOFT’s Multi Activity summer camp. The first of this year’s Loft summer camps took place from the 3rd-7th of July.

It was certainly a fun filled week

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of action packed activities which started the summer off with a bang! You can see how they got on with surfing in Falcarragh and a trip to Ards Forest Park below.

As you can see they had loads of craic over the week.

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FIT FOR LIFE This was a great week as we discovered new sports together like sea swimming and cycling

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COOKERY

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his year’s cookery camp was a big success with 21 young people taking part and creating some amazing meals. The group created at least 12 different dishes each day ranging from starters, to mains, deserts and bakes. A highlight of the week was when young people got to make their

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own pizza’s from scratch. It was also great to welcome many of the young families on the last day for a canopy buffet created by the young people. Some of the young people have already signed up for our takeaway Friday’s which are starting this week.

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www.donegalyouthservice.ie

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party in the park

Party in The Park a Sunny Spectacular Success in its 13th Year

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hirteen is an unlucky number for some, but not for Donegal Youth Service.

With expectations originally low for good weather for the 13th Party in The Park the day turned out to be one of the sunniest in August much to the delight of everyone who braved the outdoors. Wellies were not necessary to enjoy the sights and sounds of the free one day festival for young people, with sunglasses being a much more popular choice.

performance from Phat Kiidz and friends, and finally ending the long day with Rage in The Machine covers and plenty of headbanging from the crowd. And that’s just a few of the performances that took place on the big day.

Spiderman made a brief appearance to pose for photos, save goals and even win a game of tennis before returning to his duties as a superhero. Anna, Elsa and Olaf were also spotted making a royal appearance and enjoying the sunshine in Letterkenny Town Park.

A lot of games

Surprise in the stage

There was live music all day to cater to all musical tastes starting with a House set from up and coming young DJ Harrison Ferris, to Tank Engine a saxophone and trumpet duo, to a surprise hip hop

Fiction caracture

There was more than just music to entertain attendees as Donegal Youth Councillor Kai McHugh also wowed the crowds with his original dance performance.

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There was also stiff competition all day at the Cube Challenge games, tennis, and badminton as well as loads of craic on the bouncy castles, space hoppers and a crowd full of smiling Minnie Mouses, Batmen, and butterflies thanks to the facepainting team who were flat out all day.

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New stand YIC The Letterkenny Youth Information Centre were on hand to answer post Leaving Cert questions and provide information about all sorts of opportunities available to young Irish people such as volunteering abroad, and Donegal Youth Service would like to extend its warmest thanks to Donegal County Council, Letterkenny town park, An Garda SĂ­ochĂĄna, the Irish Red Cross, all of the volunteers, vendors, attendees, and everyone else who helped to make this event for the young people of Donegal a huge success.

See you all again next year!

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For more information about Donegal Youth Service or any of their projects you can visit www.donegalyouthservice.ie, call (074) 91 29630, or pop in to them at 16-18 Port Road, Letterkenny.

Donegal Youth Service are a registered charity.

Charity No. CHY 15027 www.donegalyouthservice.ie

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p h o t o s g a l e r y

p h o t o s g a l e r y

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breakout project

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REAK OUT IS A YOUTH PROJECT FOCUSED ON LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER YOUNG PEOPLE. THE PROJECT OPERATES WEEKLY DROP-IN GROUPS IN LETTERKENNY AND BALLYBOFEY AS WELL AS TRAINING, INFORMATION AND ONE TO ONE SUPPORT. CONTACT (074) 91 29630 FOR MORE INFO

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www.donegalyouthservice.ie

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D AY B R E A K let’s go SUMMER PROGRAMME opportunity to sincerely thank the volunteers for all their hard work.

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he ‘Let’s do it’ summer programme ran throughout the entire month of July in 11 clubs.

Staff and volunteers travelled to locations all over the county from Malin Head to Pettigo and 489 young people aged from 3 years – 18 years enjoyed the programme events. Activities included lots of arts & crafts, relay races, volleyball, team building, cookie decorating and much more. The AIB, Century Play and Donegal Youth Service kindly sponsored t-shirts for all participants.

The summer programme was a huge success and feedback from clubs and young people was extremely positive. Michelle and Claire would like to take this

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et’s Go summer camps all over Donegal, from Moville all the way to Pettigo, ages 3-18. What a great summer everyone!!!

Lorraine Thompson, DYS Regional Director: “Donegal Youth Service is so appreciative of the support we recived from AIB and Century Cinemas for our ‘Lets Do It’ summer camps. We have had such a positive response from the youth clubs who took part and as you can see from the pictures the young people had a blast!”

Pictured from left to right are Fiona Henry, Retail Manager, AIB, Letterkenny, Garth Gibson, Donegal Youth Service, Sandra McGettigan, Youth Officer, AIB, Letterkenny, Mark Doherty, Century Cinemas, & Jim McLaughlin, Branch Manager, AIB Letterkenny, presenting a cheque to Gareth from Donegal Youth

Service for joint sponsorship of “Let’s Go” Summer camps which were held through out Donegal during month of July

www.donegalyouthservice.ie

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RECRUITING

new volunteers TO ASSIST 12-16 YEAR OLD Young people WITH ACADEMIC SUBJECTS from 10 am to 12 noon

CALL: 074 9126155 EMAIL: claire.bradley@donegalyouthservice.ie michelle.wylam@donegalyouthservice.ie 16-18 PORT RD. LETTERKENNY, CO. DONEGAL

DONEGAL YOUTH COUNCIL

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he Donegal Youth Council had the opportunity to present to the Stranorlar Municipal District Committee today.

Thank you all for your support.

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irst week back has been a busy one for DYC. Two members attended their first ever CYPSC Commitee Meeting and it was back to training at their monthly county meeting. Thank you Karen Gallinagh Murphy for a great day.

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he Donegal Youth Council in conjunction with the RSA raising awareness on Seatbelt Safety on school buses in Lurgybrack National School Letterkenny.

www.donegalyouthservice.ie

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TRIP TO AVIVA O

n Tuesday 5th September YIC organised a trip to the crunch World Cup Qualifier game between Ireland and Serbia for all the Donegal Youth Service Projects. After an epic game Serbia left the country with all three points which almost guarantees

them a place at the 2018 World Cup Finals in Russia, however there were many positives from Irelands perspective as many of our group were in Aviva Stadium for the first time, and almost all of them were watching a World Cup Qualifier for the first time!

Our Donegal Youth Service group at the Ireland V Serbia crunch

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The majestic view of the aviva staDium from the back corner of the stand www.donegalyouthservice.ie

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new look in dys W

e are so excited about the new look in our Drop-In Centre, the place is looking a little brighter and more chilled out. We are open as usual at 1618 Port Road, Letterkenny (opposite Grill). Call in and take a look for yourself.

and remember...

SPANISH CLASSES FOR FREE EVERY THURSDAY 2.30PM TO 4.00PM

Games and funny activities, conversations, real and useful role-playing are waitung for you.

JOIN US!

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Talking with...

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ainting the mural was a big challenge because we had to come up with people and the ideas to represent “THE NO HATE MOVEMENT” and the Letterkenny Boxing Club The movement is about fighting online hate crimes through social media like facebook, instagram, twitter etc...

The project took about eleven months to complete because we had to partner the World Wide Voices Project and the Letterkenny Boxing Club with the personalities in

the mural. The boxing club came up with pioneers of the boxing club and the World Wide Voices Project suggested the other faces.

A lot of long hours but all thanks to The Loft and the NYCI for funding the project and opening up the premises at all hours for me to finnish the painting.

Franck Saucian

“ This is one of the

many projects that I have done and one of the most challenging one’s

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1.

4.

1.Emma Watson - popular Harry Potter character activist.

2.Doctor

and

feminist

McGinley

famous Donegal politician and the first Chairperson of the Letterkenny Boxing Club.

3.Muhammed ALi - The greatest heavyweight boxer of all time and famous for refusing to fight in the Vietnam War. Katie Taylor - World Champion and first Irish female boxer to win a gold medal at the olympics.

4.Children on the beach - this image represents the terrible suffering taking place in the mediteranean sea as refugees flee war and persecution.

5.Ruby Bridges the first black school girl to enroll in an all white school in 60,s America.

6.John, George, Jack and Naill McLaughlin and Malichai Price

past coaches at the Letterkenny boxing club.

3.

6.

8.

7.

11.

9.

2.

5.

7.Katherine Johnson - African

american mathematician working at NASA who helped put the first man on the moon receiving no acknowledgement until now.

8.Amelia

Earhart

- intrepid adventurer, the first female to cross the atlantic landing her plane in County Derry.

9.Malala shot on her way to school in Afghanistan recovered to become a global ambassador for female education.

10.Sinead Murray - Youth Worker at the Donegal Youth Sservice and headed the local campaign fighting for LGBT marriage equality.

11.Senator

Norris long time

campaigner for gay rights and marriage equality.

12.Nelson Mandela - Labeled

a terrorist by the South African apartheid regime emerged from 26 years in prison to lead the country and become a global ambassador for tolerance of difference.

in dys

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e had the pleasure of witnessing the unveiling of Letterkenny Boxing Club’s new mural. This mural was created by the Donegal Youth Service Worldwide Voices project and was funded by the National Youth Council of Ireland Artist in Residency Programme.

Artist in residence was Frank Saucian.

The role of trailblazer is to raise awareness of the country’s vast choice of cultural venues and events open into the night on September 22nd in communities across Ireland that give people from all walks of life a unique opportunity to experience and explore our rich and vast cultural offering. Irish fiddler and the lead vocalist for the Irish folk music band Altan Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, who was born In Goath Dobhair will be our guest Trail blazer on the night

thanks for coming 39

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