Spotlight on Monaghan Youth Peace Campus project benefits

A group of students from Beech Hill College in Monaghan Town and Coláiste Oiriall outlined the benefits of a new Monaghan Youth Peace Campus project, which is delivering a wide range of clubs and workshops from gaming, cookery and robotics to help with homework.

Beech Hill pupils - Daniel Sabanos, Leja Tamasaite and Nevena Clarke - all took part in a panel discussion led by Joseph Ó hÁinle from Coláiste Oiriall on Monaghan Youth Peace Campus Project.

Joseph explained that the project was a partnership between Foróige, Cavan Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB) and Monaghan Co Council, funded by PEACEPLUS through the CMETB.

"Instead of the staff telling you about the project, we're going to be telling you about it ourselves," said Joseph at the PEACEPLUS ‘Thriving and Peaceful Communities’ launch last Friday.

"Over the past few months, we've been taking part in different activities and programmes where we've all learned to new skills, made friends and tried things we might never have. I am part of the Weekly Wednesday drop-in, the gaming club and the music room. I've made lots of new friends,” he concluded, before introducing Daniel.

A lively character, Daniel began: “I'm part of five groups. Shocking! On Monday, I'm a part of the video game club. On Tuesday, I'm part of ‘FRobotics’ (a merging of the words Foróige and Robotics!) and homework club. On Wednesday, I'm part of the drop-in and the citizenship group. On Thursday, I'm a part of the homework club again. And on Friday, the staff gets away from me!”

Asked what his favourite activity was, Daniel said it would have to be gaming because video games are his passion. “I like that the group is growing. I am talking to more people and I've taken up a new hobby, ‘Magic: The Gathering’ (a collectable card game available in digital and tabletop versions)."

The panellist said that he kept coming back to Youth Zone because of the social aspect. He liked hanging out with friends in person instead of looking at a screen. He also fell back in love with the board game chess.

The next panellist introduced was Leja, who explained that she participates in FRobotics and the Be Healthy Be Happy forum. Leja said that she would recommend the Monaghan Youth Project as a whole to others: “The project helps me get out of my comfort zone and try new opportunities. In the Peace Campus, we do team building. Since the first day, I felt extremely welcome.”

Not only did she enjoy building a robot over the past few weeks with her teammates, but as part of the Be Healthy Be Happy programme, she learned how to cook. She also made new friends and is looking forward to participating in a robotics competition in May.

Nevena, the final panellist, also participated in the FRobotics and Be Healthy Be Happy programmes.

“Being part of this group has helped me and the others with teamwork, we had to design a logo and slogan for our robotics group.”

She also learned how to use graphic design apps.

Nevena said that she found out about the weekly group at the Peace Campus through students talking at school: “One day after school, I was walking home with Leja and we decided to pop in to see what the fuss was about. I liked the environment, it was calm and friendly and I felt like Luke McFadden and Melanie McQuillan (both Monaghan Youth Peace Campus Project leaders) trusted us and gave us the freedom to be ourselves within the group.

“If you're wondering about this programme, some of the things we have done are discussions on mental and physical health, debates, cooking, baking and mindfulness workshops along with lots of icebreakers at the beginning, which made it easier to be a part of the group.”

Joseph, who chaired the segment, concluded by saying that the group were looking forward to their Easter trip to Tanagh Outdoor Adventure Centre outside Cootehill.

If you would like to find out more about Monaghan Youth Peace Campus Project contact Foróige youth workers Luke on 086-8340236 or Melanie on 086-8339902.