Galway and Roscommon ETB launches case study on the establishment and success of a Roma Youth Service, County Roscommon
Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB) officially launched a Roma Case Study Report on the establishment and success of a Roma Youth Service today, 1 March, in the Quad Youth Centre, Roscommon Town. Mr David Leahy, Chief Executive of GRETB was joined by young people from the Roma community in County Roscommon, the Roma Youth Service, Mr Sean Campbell, Chief Executive of Foróige, members of the GRETB Youth and Arts subcommittee and CYPSC Roscommon to celebrate the occasion.
Youth services can play a vital role in a young person’s life, particularly if they are going through a difficult time. As a Roma Youth Service member explained: “They are very kind to me, and I am very grateful that I found this place. This is like my second home”.
The case study documents the process in which the needs of the Roma community in County Roscommon were identified; the engagement, participation and retention of Roma young people within the service. The findings of the case study are a result of consultation with young people, youth work providers and key stakeholders along with research and analysis of actions to date.
David Leahy, Chief Executive of GRETB stated, “The success of this service has been as a result of collaboration and great dedication to meeting the needs of young people.”
It is hoped that this case study might offer insights and best practice guidance for other projects looking to replicate this type of work with the Roma community, or with other minority groups.
Sean Campbell, CEO of Foróige noted that, “this is a unique project which has become a home for a very diverse group of young people. What a joy it is to see a group of young people fully engaged and developing their passions, whether it’s in music, technology, art or sport.”
The Roma Youth Service is funded by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, through Galway and Roscommon ETB. It is managed by Foróige and is based in Roscommon Town and Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon.
For further information about youth work provision in Galway and Roscommon or for a copy of the case study, please visit www.gretb.ie or email [email protected].
The case study is accessible at Roma Case Study Report
