West Belfast Irish medium youth and community organisation, Glór na Móna, launched a new evaluative research report lon Sólás na nÓg youth project that supports young people with additional learning needs. Launched as part of Glór na Móna’s annual october festival, Féile na Carraige, the report, which was compiled by researcher Dr Órla Nig Oirc, makes the case for continued and increased investment in this ground-breaking youth service at Glór na Móna, which has lessons that can be shared ‘nationally and internationally’.
Speaking at the event, Dr Nig Óirc who stated:
This research commends Sólás na nÓg as a holistic ecosystem, one that integrates wellbeing, education, identity and community. In every stakeholder group, the young people, the parents, staff and advisory partners spoke of the project as a beacon for transformation. The project has improved confidence, it’s built friendships, it has enhanced family life, it’s strengthened identity and it has shown what can happen when inclusion is embedded in language and community. Challenges still remain as the project as we know still operates in temporary and inadequate accommodation demand outstrips the capacity, without stable long term funding. Sólás na nÓg is a lifeline, a cultural anchor and a catalyst for transformation. Let’s hope that they continue nurturing the confidence and the connection and hope for the generations of young people to come.
Summing up on the significance of the project, Sólás na nÓg advisory board member and Educational Child Psychologist, Dr Caoimhe Murton, stated:
Merging the Irish language and supporting children with those additional needs in the community is just fantastic. I’d love to see it being rolled out in other places across the North. And I really, really hope that the funding does come through so that we can continue this and really expand it because I know that they have so many other exciting ideas and ways that they can take this project forward. It’s just about making sure that we can secure that funding and thereby secure the future here for a project that is changing the lives of all its young people. Orla’s research was just amazing, the testimonials from the children and the parents are very unique and simply cannot measure that. To read what the parents have felt and how much it’s brought the community together over the past number of years is heartwarming and inspirational in equal measure.’
This point was further developed by Project Coordinator, Padraigín Nic Mhathúna who spoke about the future vision of the project:
When Sólás na nÓg first began, the simple but powerful belief was that every young person deserves a space where they are accepted exactly as they are. Not where they are expected to fit in, but where they can belong. Not where they are told who to be, but where they can become who they already are.
Over these six years, we’ve seen that belief come to life in the most inspiring ways. We’ve watched young people who once stood quietly at the corner of the room begin to find their voices, their friendships, and their confidence. We’ve watched creativity, humour, and courage unfold in spaces where understanding and inclusion are at the centre of everything we do. This comprehensive research evaluation gives us the evidence- base to drive change and advocate for better policies and proper resources, that ensure that no young person is left behind simply because the world has not adapted to include them. These young people were central to the development and design of our recent ‘Outdoor Youth Sanctuary’ and sensory garden which is delivered in partnership and with the support of Queen’s University Business school. Their dedication is also shaping our continued campaign for the new Croí na Carriage multipurpose capital facility and bespoke sensory room which will enable us to match the ambitious vision of Sólás na nÓg.
Our project has attracted national and international attention from those minority language communities interested in supporting, nourishing and empowering young people with additional needs. We are keen to sustain the future of Sólás na nÓg and share the lessons we have learned far and wide.’
Full report available here
