Listen to the youth

I got to attend Dáil na nÓg at Croke park on Feb 15th. Dáil na nÓg is an experiment in youth participation, funded the Office of the Minister for Children. (Full info at www.dailnanog.ie ).

The top recommendations coming from the participants included:

Education Reform
1 Language subjects should be more conversational and relevant to everyday life. Pre-examined years should take part in mandatory Gaeltacht and foreign trips that are paid for, or subsidised;

2 More focus on the oral aspect and culture in the teaching of all languages;

3 All teachers must receive training in guidance counselling and communication skills.

Mental Health
1 Accessible youth cafes in all areas. Open when needed to provide a safe space to seek help on drug and alcohol issues and other problems;

2 A positive advertising campaign that shows real life experiences and the effects of suicide on family and friends;

3 More funding for mental health services for young people, including advertising and school programmes.

For more see:
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/0216/1203093372510.html

http://www.kilkennypeople.ie/sport/Kilkenny-delegates-at-Dil-na.3853025.jp


Photo by Derek Spiers.

posted by Daniel @ Thursday, March 27, 2008