To view this video, you need to update your Flash Player - 
The 'Youth for Justice' project is a school based program, which aims to inspire young people to understand and take action on social justice in their local area. It has been running in the Breffni Region since 2001. It’s about providing students with the opportunity to help other people in their community in practical ways, ways that make a difference to the lives of the many people who experience isolation, loneliness or poverty in Ireland today. Transition year students from around the region focus on a wide range of issues including working with the elderly, with people with disabilities and children at a women's refuge. In recent year students have done a homeless sit-out and worked on issues including bullying, addiction, a youth forum, fundraising and many more.
The students have shown amazing insights into the problems and potential solutions to the issues facing society today. Over the past eight years the projects have focused on areas ranging from homelessness, racism and substance misuse to a fundraising rock concert.
A Youth for Justice Exhibition is held annually, in May, when students gather to celebrate and show off their social justice projects. It is a wonderful opportunity for like minded students from around the region to share their views, hopes and concerns for their communities.
Over the years we have had a thought-provoking and inspiring selection of guest speakers including Sligo’s youngest ever Lord Mayor, Jude Devins, Fr Michael Mc Greil, Peter McVerry, SVP National Presidents, Mr Brian O Reilly, ARRASI – Association of refugees and asylum seekers Ireland, HSE Addiction Services and Mr. John Lonergan, Governor of Mountjoy Prison.
Young people have a lot to offer SVP in developing new solutions to the problems in an ever-changing society. The Youth for Justice project is an extremely valuable tool in helping to identify those solutions and also in helping to develop a social conscience within our student population.
Over the year the students who participated in the Youth for Justice Project impressed us with their innovation, commitment and genuine concern for the people they have helped.
If these young people are our future it’s looking bright!
If you are interested in finding out more about Youth for Justice, or becoming involved, please contact Sharon Tuohy, Youth Development Worker, on 071 9142420. Youth For Justice Brochure