YOUNG people from the Colin area have spent the summer representing their community on the world stage, walking the Camino in Spain, volunteering in the United States and taking part in leadership programmes in France, all while continuing to give back at home.
Twenty-eight young people from Saints Youth Centre completed the Camino de Santiago in Spain after months of fundraising, using the journey to champion youth advocacy and raise awareness of issues including mental health, addiction and social inequality.
Meanwhile, young people from Lagmore Youth Project travelled to New Hampshire, USA, delivering summer programmes for local children and meeting staff from the Irish Consulate in Boston, laying the groundwork for a reciprocal visit from New Hampshire to Colin in 2027.
In France, nine young people represented Colin at the international residential element of the Horizons Programme in Annecy, joining more than 100 peers from across Northern Ireland to tackle leadership challenges as part of an 18-month development programme.
Closer to home, youth organisations across the area have adopted the environment as a shared summer theme, bringing young people together with partners including Belfast Hills, Colin Community Allotments and the Education Authority Outdoor Learning Team for workshops, wildlife learning and a community barbecue at Páirc Nua Chollann. The projects will culminate in social action initiatives designed and led by young people themselves.
At the same time, more than 30 young volunteers from Youth Initiatives have given up two weeks of their summer to support local children's schemes, completing a week-long training academy before leading games and activities each morning to keep younger participants safe and engaged.
Young people from Lagmore Youth Project travelled to New Hampshire, USA
Conor Murphy, EA Youth Service, said the achievements highlight the talent, leadership and community spirit of young people across the Colin area.
“There is so much to celebrate in the Colin area, and these achievements show the talent, leadership and generosity of our young people. Their commitment – from representing their community internationally to volunteering and giving back locally – reflects the incredible strengths that exist across Colin and the positive difference young people are making every day.
"Most services begin annual registration next month. I would encourage any young person to call in to their local youth centre or project, be curious and ask what they can offer you. It could open the door to so many opportunities you didn't know existed," he said.
