NEWSLETTER

Youthreach Mahon teamed
up with ‘Mind The Gap’ facilitator
Arran Tower in a series
of art workshops over the last
six months. The young people
worked through the effect of
education on young people as
they grow to adulthood and
towards employment. They
produced wonderful artwork
while exploring the educational
experiences and living
World Wise Global Schools
conditions of young people
around the world. They took
part in lively discussions
and looked at their world
versus other worlds. Student
Adam Johnson said after
the sessions “ I feel lucky to
be getting my education in
Ireland” Youthreach Mahon
offers level 4 QQI Certification
which is delivered in a
modular fashion.
The group of students who
were involved in the project
travelled to the Aviva Stadium
in Dublin on Tuesday 21st
April to showcase their work.
They were the only representatives
from a Youthreach
centre in attendance and
groups had travelled from all
around Ireland to showcase
their work. ‘It was a great
day out’ said Ciarán Kelleher.
Arran brought the workshops
to Mahon on a pilot basis
and is hoping that ‘Mind The
Gap’ will work with other
Youthreach centres in the
future while keeping links
with Mahon and developing
their involvement with World
Wise Global Schools.
In June two Sportsreach staff and eleven
Learners set off in the mini bus to West Clare.
The An Gaisce tour would last for 3 days and
2 nights. The group stayed in the Burren
Outdoor Education Centre and we found the
accommodation to be an ideal facility and
location. Soon after arrival, and with the sun
splitting the limestone on the Burren, we went
kayaking on the Dooneen Lake accompanied
by two of the BOEC staff. During this activity
the group played some fun team games and
also were visited by a group of seals probably
wondering what all the fuss was about in their
peaceful lake!!! Later that evening we travelled
Sportsreach Complete An Gaisce
to Liscannor to view the breath-taking Cliffs
of Moher. The Learners took a lot of “selfies”
while in awe of this stunning landmark.
On the second day, after a healthy breakfast,
we set off to visit The Ailwee Caves. The caves
are located in The Burren and the guided
tour lasted 1 hour. Here the Learners learned
about the caves discovery in 1944 and saw
remains of bears while walking 980 feet into
the cave. After the tour we visited The Bird
of Prey and Educational Centre. A home to
Eagles, Hawks, Falcons and Owls from all over
the world the group were able to interact and
get up close and personal with the birds. Our
day was completed with a swim at Doonbeg
beach and a walk in The Burren.
On the last day, we vacated our BOEC
dwellings and set off on our journey home to
Dublin. Along the way we stopped in Shannon
to visit the Bunratty castle and Folk Park. Here
the learners explored the 15th century Bunratty
castle and the 19th century Folk Park. While
walking through the Folk Park the learners
got to enjoy the sights, sounds and taste of
the charming village. The learners were very
positive about the trip and it gave them an
opportunity to experience things they would
otherwise not have enjoyed.
21