What is youth work?
Youth work has been enhancing the lives of young people and adults in Ireland for more than one hundred years. Youth work is above all an educational and developmental process, based on young people’s active and voluntary participation and commitment. It is often defined as ‘non-formal education’. Youth work is for all young people, with particular focus on those aged 10 to 24 from all aspects of Irish life, urban, rural, all nationalities and social classes.
Youth work is provided primarily by voluntary organisations, with statutory support from the Department of Education and Youth and the Education and Training Boards. It is important to remember that youth work is a distinct practice, and youth services and youth clubs are the settings in which youth work happens.
For more information on the benefits and definitive features of youth work, visit the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) website here.
For answers to youth work ‘Frequently Asked Questions’, visit the NYCI website here.
The Youth Work Act
Youth work was given formal statutory recognition in the Youth Work Act 2001, which defines youth work as:
‘A planned programme of education designed for the purpose of aiding and enhancing the personal and social development of young people through their voluntary involvement, and which is complementary to their formal, academic, or vocational education and training and provided primarily by voluntary youth work organisations’.
For more information on the Youth Work Act, visit the NYCI website here.
Young people and youth work
Youth work can offer amazing opportunities for young people to get involved in different programmes and activities including arts, global citizenship, intercultural exchanges, rights and equality issues, health, and wellbeing, among many others. In youth work, young people are active partners in making decisions, planning programmes, and setting priorities.
Youth work and the relationship between youth workers, volunteers and young people is based on mutual respect and constructive engagement. It is a collaborative process and empowers young people to have a strong voice in shaping their own learning experiences. It is one of the few places where young people have the power to make decisions, follow them through and take responsibility for the outcomes in a safe and supportive environment. Most importantly, it’s also about young people having fun, meeting new friends and like-minded peers in a safe space where they can be themselves.
What does a youth worker do?
A youth worker supports, mentors, and educates young people in a variety of settings outside of formal education. They plan and facilitate activities that promote learning, personal development, and community involvement. Youth workers also offer guidance and support on personal and social issues, acting as trusted adults who can help young people navigate the challenges they may face. They play a crucial role in fostering the development and well-being of young people, tailoring their approach to meet diverse needs and interests.
For more information on the role of a youth worker, visit the NYCI website here.
