[Kilsally]

Positive Power for young people
http://www.ulstersco...epowerOct04.asp

by Joanne Crockard

The positive power of Ulster-Scots will soon be targeted to young people from disadvantaged communities. The Ulster-Scots Agency has secured funding from the Irish Youth Foundation for the post of a youth and community development worker The news is welcomed by the Agency which believes that work in this area is long overdue.
"This is a great step forward and we are indebted to the Irish Youth Foundation for having the vision to recognise the contribution that Ulster-Scots culture can make to empowering communities," says Agency chief executive George Patton.
"The funding of this position will allow us to focus on young people in disadvantaged areas, both urban and rural."
"We believe that by working with young people and encouraging them to get involved with all aspects of Ulster-Scots, we can refocus traditional areas of difference into events which generate celebration rather than conflict."
Mr Patton said that there was a considerable number of young people already actively involved in Ulster-Scots, particularly in music and dance.
However, there is a need to involve other young people, especially those from disadvantaged communities.
Mr Patton added that the Agency envisaged that the officer would help set up new groups and act as a catalyst with appropriate existing community initiatives.
Irish President Mary McAleese is patron of the Irish Youth Foundation, which makes awards to organisations involved in providing positive opportunities for young people in Ireland.
Peter Murray, chairman of the Foundation, said: "We must support our vulnerable children, their families, and the communities in which they live, if we really want a fair and just society for all citizens.
"We are confident that the Ulster-Scots Agency will provide positive opportunities to enable young people to grow, develop, participate and succeed."
The post of youth and community development worker, which is to be advertised within the next few weeks in daily newspapers and the Agency's website, is for a period of 12 months. The contract may be extended subject to continued funding and satisfactory progress.