Foroige Eastside (Ballybane)

Foroige Special Youth Projects are based in the local community and target young people who may be disadvantaged or at risk.

ETB Project Aim

Equip young people with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for their appropriate and full participation in society.

So, how does it work?

Foróige sets up and supports volunteer led youth groups, providing services including organisational development, training, programme development and consultancy. Foróige works directly with targeted young people on issues affecting their ability to reach their potential. These issues relate to family, education, substance use and health, amongst others. These programmes are usually done in small groups, and take place in community or school settings.

Activities in these projects are chosen based on the needs and interests of the young people, who are themselves involved in planning for their own groups. These activities include, drama, outdoor pursuits, personal development programmes, community action, environmental work, sport, and issue based programmes on topics such as loss, anger, drugs and health.

Foroige are funded to deliver 80% of our work focused on young people on level 2 and 3 of the Hardiker Model, with 20% devoted to young people on level 1.

Please see below for a little detail on Foroige Clubs.

Foróige Clubs are a safe place for young people to hang out, meet new friends and have a voice. What makes a Foróige Club different to other youth clubs is that it is run by the young people themselves. This allows them to believe in themselves, make decisions and practice leadership.

The first Foróige Club was established in Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny in 1952 and now there are over 600 volunteer-led clubs in 26 counties across the country. The members of the Club elect a committee which includes a Chairperson, Secretary, Public Relations Officer and Treasurer. This gives them a chance to experience democracy first hand. The committee then works with the members and is supported by the adult club leaders to control and manage the club. This ensures that members are participating in activities they really want to do and will therefore get the most out of. Club members are 12 to 18 year olds from the local area. Certain clubs are targeted at younger members aged 12 to 14 or older members aged 15 to 18.

Leaders are members of the local community who want to get involved. These adult leaders work with the members to make the club work. There must be at least one adult leader present for a club meeting to take place and an adequate number of leaders to facilitate club numbers on meet up nights. Leaders appoint an overall Club Leader. Leaders also appoint a designated Leader who is then eligible to stand for election to Foróige’s National Council and vote at such elections.

Club Night

Foróige Clubs generally meet one night a week for 1 ½ – 2 hours. The club night begins with a formal meeting, led by the club committee to make decisions about the club. Then members decide if they want to work on a project based on Foróige’s education programmes or just hang out with their friends, enjoying games or activities.