£10m Announced For Youth Organisations

Education Minister John O’Dowd has announced a £10m injection to fund voluntary youth organisations.

The Minister has made available a youth budget of £10m for 2013/14 and 2014/15, to be divided between voluntary and controlled youth sectors.

Speaking about the scheme, Minister O’Dowd said: "As children and young people grow and develop it is vital they have the opportunity to engage in activities outside the school environment which help build their self-esteem and interpersonal skills.

"Youth organisations provide a setting where young people can meet, make friends and take part in structured activities in a safe environment. These organisations can help young people improve their range of skills and attributes that can improve their employment prospects and compliment their learning in school."

The capital funding will be made available to Voluntary Youth Organisations in 2013/14 and 2014/15 and can be used towards upgrades, health and safety work, fire safety and child protection measures.

Minister O'Dowd added: "Youth work is a major contributor to improving educational and lifelong outcomes for our young people. I trust these grants will go some way to improving conditions and will provide a safe and accessible environment for our young people."

(IT)