Youth service marks vibrant celebration of Oíche na hÓige
Jake, Thomas, Patrick and Jason, at the Manor Street Youth & Community Centre open night. Photo: Joe Evans
Manor Street Community Youth Project of Waterford and South Tipperary Community Youth Service marked a vibrant celebration of Oíche na hÓige (Youth Night) recently.
The nationwide event — delivered in partnership with the Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board, Youth Work Ireland and youth projects across the country — opened its doors to the community to honour young people, highlight the impact of youth work and recognise the dedicated staff and volunteers who make it all possible.
The evening featured powerful live performances from young people, along with personal stories reflecting their experiences and the positive influence of youth work in their lives.
Current members, parents, guardians, community stakeholders and prospective new participants were invited to explore Manor Street Youth & Community Centre, hear first-hand about the benefits of youth work, and connect with staff to learn more about the project and the developmental opportunities it offers young people in the community.
Youth Work is a planned programme of informal education that supports young people in their personal, social and emotional development, through their voluntary participation. Delivered through youth centres, projects and outreach programmes, it provides safe, inclusive spaces where young people can build confidence, develop new skills, strengthen relationships and actively engage in their communities.
Supported nationally by Youth Work Ireland, the Education and Training Boards and the Department of Education and Youth, youth work plays a vital role in helping young people thrive.
Manor Street Community Youth Project extends its heartfelt thanks to the wider community for its continued support and partnership.
"This support is essential to the success of our work and to the opportunities we can provide young people," a spokesperson for the project said. "We also offer a special and sincere thank you to the young people and volunteers who are at the heart of the project.
"Their energy, commitment and creativity drive everything we do and their ongoing engagement is what makes the project such a vibrant and positive space for all."
