YMCA’s West Cork Youth Information service, along with seven other YI providers in Ireland (i.e. Youth Work Ireland, Crosscare and SpunOut projects) pilot ERYICA European Youth Information quality label award.
On behalf of the Irish ERYICA Youth Information and Quality Label Commission, I am delighted to inform you that YMCA has been awarded the ERYICA quality label. The quality, reach and impact of the youth information services in West Cork is impressive and inspirational. The young people consulted in the process as part of the youth review element, commented on the number of services that were available to them in Youth Information, and their comfort levels at accessing the services, staff and volunteers. Youth Information in West Cork is truly focused on the needs of young people and is accessible to all regardless of background or identity. Furthermore, it was clear to the Commission that the youth information service is an integral part of your youth services model, and is therefore accessible to all the young people who engage with your projects, clubs and programmes.”Dr Patrick Burke (President of ERYICA and Secretariate to the Irish Commission)
It’s been a big month for the YMCA YI staff as the West Cork YI project successfully completed a peer review, at advanced level, for the ERYICA Irish Commission.
YMCA YI staff, as part of the Irish Youth Information Network, also engaged with policy makers, researchers and other national & international stakeholders at a two-day conference on Quality Practice and Innovation in the delivery of Youth Information. ERYICA, Eurodesk Ireland, DCEDIY and ETBs were all represented at ‘Infonomics: Facts Matter’ in Ballykisteen Hotel, Limerick Junction.
Citizenship Education: “Youth information aims to uphold the right of young people to full and reliable information. It helps them to make informed choices, and promotes their autonomy, their ability to think critically, and their active participation in society.”
The European Youth Information and Counselling Agency (ERYICA) is an independent organisation composed of national and regional youth information coordinating bodies and networks. ERYICA is an independent, European organisation gathering 42 national and regional youth information coordinating bodies present in 26 countries.
The European Youth Information Quality Label is a visible sign that certifies that the information has been verified and is reliable. It is awarded to youth information organisations that meet certain criteria.
The European Youth Information Quality Label was developed in the 2019-2020 Council of Europe – ERYICA partnership agreement, to assist young people in finding quality information, in accordance to the European Youth Information Charter.
The Quality Label has been designed together with young people and is linked to a series of quality assessment standards, mechanisms and tools. It’s available for public or private non-profit organisations providing youth information services in Council of Europe countries.
TJ Hourihan –
Photos:
1 ) Mary Cunningham, ERYICA Quality Label Irish Commission chairperson, presents award to YMCA Ireland
2) Infonomics: Aleesha presenting her experience of ERYICA charter principles of Participation and Empowerment
3) Infonomics: Maurice Devlin (Professor of Applied Social Studies at Maynooth University and Jean Monnet Chair in European Youth Studies), Adam Gunning (Assistant Principal, DCEDIY) and Aoife Cartwright Project Specialist (Centre for Effective Services).
4) Infonomics: ‘YIChat’ network first in-person meeting since service launch in April 2020.
5) YMCA Youth Information programme staff at last week’s ‘Career Options’ event
2) Infonomics: Aleesha presenting her experience of ERYICA charter principles of Participation and Empowerment
3) Infonomics: Maurice Devlin (Professor of Applied Social Studies at Maynooth University and Jean Monnet Chair in European Youth Studies), Adam Gunning (Assistant Principal, DCEDIY) and Aoife Cartwright Project Specialist (Centre for Effective Services).
4) Infonomics: ‘YIChat’ network first in-person meeting since service launch in April 2020.
5) YMCA Youth Information programme staff at last week’s ‘Career Options’ event
