20 May, 2006 - Volunteer Achievement Awards
Minister De Valera pledges continued support for the development of young people
The Minister for Youth Affairs, Ms. Síle de Valera, T.D., today presented the Youth Work Ireland 9th Annual Volunteer Achievement Awards at Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny.
The Volunteer Achievement Awards were first introduced by Youth Work Ireland in 1999 in recognition of the role played by its volunteers as key deliverers of its services to young people.
Acknowledging the role of volunteers who give freely of their time for the development of young people, Minister de Valera said: "I have spoken many times of my admiration and appreciation of volunteers who give freely of their time and efforts for the benefit of our young people. Volunteers in the youth work sector bring unquantifiable value in terms of engagement and experience to the non-formal learning process.
Minister de Valera highlighted the changing youth work environment saying "the pace of change in the youth work environment is largely due to developments being brought about by further implementation of the Youth Work Act, 2001, the National Youth Work Development Plan and the rapid pace of change in society.
The additional funding secured for the youth work sector provides for a number of developments in both these important inter-linked policy areas including the establishment of a Development Fund to help organisations such as Youth Work Ireland prepare for the implementation of the Act."
Awards were presented in seven categories:
- Category 1: Direct work with young people in the programme activity area,
- Category 2: Young volunteer currently participating in and contributing to programme activities,
- Category 3: Contribution to the development of the local youth service,
- Category 4: young volunteer contributing to the work of the local youth service,
- Category 5: Direct work with young people at risk,
- Category 6: Long term service award, and
- Category 7: Contribution to the work of the organisation at national level.
This year, six individuals were chosen by a National Selection Committee to receive the Awards, having been nominated by fellow volunteers and youth workers in their local area. A seventh award was made posthumously to Siobhán Cotter for her contribution to the work of the organisation at National level. Siobhán was President of the National Youth Federation from 2000 ? 2003 and prior to that served for many years as a volunteer internationally, nationally and with Kerry Diocesan Youth Service.
Minister de Valera thanked Youth Work Ireland for the investment of its time and effort and wished it continued success in the future.
Ends