On International Day of Education we highlight the significant role of education in helping young people, their families and communities flourish.

As an all island movement reaching over 25,000 children, young people and families every year, the YMCA seeks to promote life enriching opportunities based on the principles of effective youth work practice and non-formal education.

From Early Years Learning in Childcare & Family Support to Vocational Training Programmes and Global Youth Work – we recognise that equitable quality education is essential for the healthy development of children and young people, flourishing communities and a better world.

We believe that every YMCA should be a place of opportunity. Alongside local YMCAs, we deliver regional education and training programmes for young people across Northern Ireland through the Empower 2 Transform project and across Cork with our STEP and Elevate programmes.

Through the Meaningful Work pillar of YMCAs Vision 2030 we are collectively empowering communities and young people worldwide to build a just, sustainable, equitable and inclusive world.

The Sustainable Development Goals acknowledge the important role of Global Citizenship Education in building the conditions for a more peaceful, fair and sustainable world under Target 4.7 – calling on countries to “ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and nonviolence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.’’

Image Photographs:
STEP Youth Vocation – Cork
E2T – Larne YMCA
E2T – Lisburn YMCA
Global Youth Work – YMCA Youth Advocacy