The exemplary work being conducted through Foroige at Nagle House continues with a new youth club now being added to the many projects and programmes being conducted at the venue. Nagle House Youth Club caters for 12-15 year-olds and is being co-ordinated principally by Foroige Youth leader Emer Power, assisted by fellow-leader and Community Garda, Peter Queally. Both leaders have attained Module 5 –the highest on Foroige’s youth leadership training programmes. By Christy Parker

The club meets ever Wednesday night and held its inaugural meeting three weeks ago. The young members are currently in the process of electing its officers from their ranks. “They nominated and seconded their candidates and will be electing them by secret ballot next week,” says Emer. “So three weeks in, they’ll have learned one of the basics of democracy!”

Rules:

That they have embraced that admirable concept well is further evident from the mix of ‘negotiable and non-negotiable’ rules and sanctions they have installed thus far. Much thought and debate went into the process and the resultant examples include alcohol/drug use or smoking -or evidence of having done so in the building- resulting in suspension from a subsequent meeting. Mobile phone interruptions during a meeting will also bring sanction. Failure to wash one’s own utensils in the Hot Spot café will result in on washing everyone else’s ware subsequently.

Adherence to such regulations may be essential if, as expected, membership demand exceeds availability. “We’ve had about 20 attending so far and I’d say the maximum we can cater for will be about 30,” says Peter. “And at that we may need some parents to assist. But basically, there won’t be much room for molly-coddling if someone misbehaves too much, with others wanting to replace them.”

Emer’s energy

Who can tell what terrible sins Emer Power committed in a previous life, for the girl’s role in this one would seem to entail perpetual immersion in the affairs of those high-velocity, wise-cracking, optimistic, ambitious, argumentative, indefatigable, fearless creatures known ‘the youth!’ Everyone loves them but it’s an exhausting kind of love after the first 20 minutes!

A native of Youghal, Emer is a national schoolteacher in Killeagh and previously ran the ‘Youghal Youth Club, which ended about twelve months after ago two successful years. It catered for a slightly older age group and ended primarily due, eventually, to a dearth of adult leaders.

New home

A major advantage of the new club is that, unlike its predecessor it has a permanent, purposely-constructed base. “We used to meet in Bru na Si and other places but Nagle House is now very much developed towards youth facilities,” says Emer. “It’s a safe, familiar meeting place and provides everyone with a comfort zone.”

The club has began life relatively late in the year and may or may not continue through the summer. In any case, its tenure thereafter will run from September to June. The club’s functions evolve around a three-point structure: a) formal meeting; b) projects/plans for an event/outing; c) recreation.

Yeah right…principles.

Emer charges the venture with installing confidence, while channelling a sense of responsibility and social and community awareness amongst its members, but in tandem with fun and fulfilment. So while the rules and rigours of democracy contribute an educational aspect, the laughs and freedom that are synonymous with youthful exuberance are no less paramount. The members do not lack for aspiration. “They want to go camping,” says Peter. “In Oakwood preferably!” he adds, in reference to a renowned Welsh theme park.

That may or may not transpire but Peter is insistent that the club members realise that what might come from the Youghal community goes back into it in some way too. “I want them to realise that if, for example, we run a fundraising event, that it’s the people who are giving the money. So, in return turn we may run a graveyard or beach cleaning day or something like that. Those principles are important.”

Meanwhile the general run of things will see much opening of a book of about a thousand things to do in a youth club that fills half Emer’s bag. There are ideas for warm-up games and games to serve creativity, concentration, imagination, co-operation, chair and circle games, sports games and so on. Add in the various other projects, plans, programmes, inter-club events, café times and workshops and hey, its 16th birthday time before they know it! Oh to be starting shaving again…..

Some Nagle House Youth Club guidelines:

In tandem with the club’s recruiting scheme, the following guidelines are made known: The club meets ever Wednesday from 8pm-9.30 pm.

Parents’ responsibility:

The leaders’ responsibility begins when the club starts and ends when it finishes. The members are the parents responsibility outside these times.

Please inform a leader if a your child cannot attend.

If a child is frequently absent or late, the family will be contacted.

If there are activities outside club time, parents will be given a letter and a parent permission form to complete.

If a signed parent permission form is not received for a scheduled activity/outing, the child cannot attend.

Foroige have a number of policies on:

Recruitment of volunteers; child protection guidelines, tobacco, alcohol and drugs; insurance (public/product liability cover); inter club events; organisation constitution.

Club fees: €15per member annually or €25 per family.

Voluntary club leaders: Emer Power, Peter Queally, Barry Storran, Jason Goggin and Eoin Hodnett.

Further details on: Nagle House Facebook: naglehouse.foroige.com; Tele: (024) 90793.