Laois teens take part in Youth Leadership conference
Three Laois teenagers joined hundreds of teens from around the world for Foróige’s Leadership for Life Youth Conference in Co Kildare.
The conference, which happened last week on the grounds of NUI Maynooth, brought together young people from the USA, Ukraine, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, South Africa and Ireland to learn how to become leaders in their own lives.
During the week-long conference the teens learned crucial life skills such as empathy, decision making, problem solving, communication skills, critical thinking and team work.
Laois teens Cormac Dunne, Jake Guidera and Jack Donoghue were among the 350 attendees at the Life Youth Conference.
“The conference gives young people the chance to not just learn from the speakers and facilitators, but to learn from each other in a fun and safe environment. This week is not only about creating new relationships and learning new skills; it’s about transforming as an individual. I’m continually in awe of what young people can achieve when given the opportunity and it’s weeks like these that give them that opportunity,” said CEO of Foróige Seán Campbell.
As part of the week-long conference, the delegates will meet inspirational guest speakers including: Indian author, illustrator and motivational speaker based in Dublin, Ashwin Chacko. His mission is to champion creativity and empower people to find their inner spark through his art, books, talks and workshops.
“Curiosity and Creativity go hand in hand. Curiosity pushes us to observe the world around us and ask questions. Creativity allows us to form answers for those questions and bring a novel perspective to the circumstance. These are essential skills for Individuals and teams to succeed,” Ashwin said.
Irish aeronautical engineer and an award winning STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) advocate from Ballina, Co Mayo, Norah Patten also spoke at the event.
One of Ireland's leading speakers focusing on Mental and Emotional Wellbeing and Diverse Abilities, Jack Kavanagh also gave a talk.
"I'm really excited to join so many aspiring young leaders for the Foróige Leadership For Life conference. With young people coming from all corners of the country and abroad the atmosphere is bound to be charged with energy and having seen the agenda I would love to be partaking in the whole program myself," he said.