Monaghan Youthreach Summer Programme 2011
This year in Monaghan Youthreach a very busy Summer Programme was organised for Learners, a special effort was made to ensure that the programme was focused and worthwhile for everyone involved.
In May Learners under the guidance of woodwork tutor Colm Mc Ardle, designed and constructed a beautiful children’s playhouse which was built for Teach Na bPaisti, the childcare facility located at Teach Na nDáoine in Mullaghmatt in Monaghan Town. This project came about and was funded as part of the Peace III project. The whole project took just two and a half months to complete. The project was constructed in the woodwork room at Monaghan Youthreach and then transported and reassembled at Teach Na bPaisti, this involved the house being created into six solid pieces that could be reassembled easily. The total size of the project 8ft long and 7½ft high. On Thursday July 28th the house was presented to the children at Teach Na bPaisti by staff and trainees at Monaghan Youthreach. We hope the playhouse is enjoyed by all the children who attend the Crèche for many years to come.
On the 4th & 5th of July last Learners from Monaghan Youthreach took part in a two day song writing workshop delivered by Craftzone. Learners wrote and recorded a song around the idea of global warming, the song was edited and a DVD was produced. The song is called ‘A Change Would be a Good Thing’. This was a great opportunity for Learners to see first hand the processes involved in writing and recording a song from start to finish. Well done to all Learners involved in this project.
A number of Learners were involved in the making of a short film titled, ‘The Tour’ which was based on a comic look at everyday life in Monaghan Youthreach. The film was show cased to guests at our end of year presentation and received a very positive response from everyone present.
Various art projects were undertaken by students including self-portraits, batik silk painting and a ‘Youthreach Chronicle’ which involved printing images of Youthreach activities in 2011 onto fabric.
Other events included a day trip to Blanchardstown, a fun filled sports day in Belgium Park, a cookery competition in centre and the production of an interesting and informative newsletter which was distributed to parents on presentation day.
The culmination of our challenging Summer Programme was our End of Year Presentation which took place at the Monaghan Youthreach Centre on Wednesday 27th of July. At this event achievements made by Learners at Monaghan Youthreach in 2010/2011 were highlighted. All Learners were presented with their FETAC Certificates and special awards were presented by staff members to a number of Learners.
Trainee of the Year: Stacey O’ Leary
Newcomer of the Year: Scott O’ Leary
Academic Achievement, FETAC Level 4: Deborah Cawley
Academic Achievement, FETAC Level 3: Evaldas Mazeika
Sportsperson of the Year 2011: Darragh Brady
Speakers on the day were Niall Mc Cann, Centre Manager and Kathlena Slowey, Resource Person and a number of Learners who gave very articulate accounts of the individual experiences at Monaghan Youthreach. Refreshments were provided in the centre kitchen. A very pleasant morning was enjoyed by all.