SEPTEMBER 2006

Re-launch of Cross Border Youth Initiative

A cross border project which brings together young people from Derry and Inishowen was re-launched 25th September 2006.

The Bytes Project' between Derry Bytes (Strand Road) and youth in Inishowen (endorsed by Inishowen Youth Services) kicked off yesterday at Greencastle Resource Centre. It's aimed at unemployed young people aged 16-25 years from both sides of the border who are not in full-time education or training. The two-year programme will help young people to develop their skills through personal development programmes incorporating a strong technology element in ICT (Information and Communication Technology) in Inishowen and Derry. It will also create an opportunity for the young people of Inishowen to experience 'first hand' the 'Bytes' experience and to work together on a production of digital technologies, including digital music composition, digital imaging, newsletters and website authoring. Among the projects will be updating the previous project's website at www.bytes.org/crossborder.

Those taking part will be able to gain qualifications in a range of areas, from youth achievement through to ICT. ICT elements will be accredited through OCR and CCEA. There will also be opportunities to get involved with artwork, OCN accreditation, event management and cultural visits. Six programmes will run over the two year period, each lasting ten weeks each.

Participation is open to anyone aged 16-25 years and who are unemployed and out of full-time education. Programmes will require around four hours per week attendance. Ultimately the project aims at encouraging unemployed, unattached young people to en-enter full time education, vocational training or find employment.

The project is assisted by funding from the European Union through the Department of Education (DE) and the Department of Education and Science (DES) under the EU programme for Peace and Reconcilliation (Peace II). Monies have been made available under measure 5.5 - Education, Cross border School and Youth Co-operation (ESF).

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