Dame Kelly Holmes helps launch new programme for disadvantaged kids in NI

By Simon Hunter

A double Olympic gold-medallist has launched a scheme to help disadvantaged young people in Northern Ireland.

Dame Kelly Holmes is in Belfast to unveil the Young Leaders Training and Ambassadors Programme.

It aims to help people of post-primary school age develop new skills and influence positive change in their communities.

The launch of the programme in Belfast today involved young people from post primary schools across Northern Ireland.

They had the opportunity to try out a range of activities, including uni-hockey, African drumming and calligraphy while talking and learning about good relations and how they can help make a difference in society.

When the participants graduate from the programme they will progress onto Ambassador Level which is at a trainer standard. 

It's the first time charity the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust has worked here, and she's spoken to Q Radio News.

The work being done here, is something she can relate to in her personal experiences.

Dame Kelly went on to say, "throughout the ten years of the Trust, we have always believed in empowering young people to become leaders in their communities and I am looking forward to seeing the positive impact these young people can have in the months and years ahead."

. @damekellyholmes has helped launch a new programme aimed at helping disadvantaged young people in NI drive positive change in their communities. @DameKellysTrust is working with @CommunitiesNI and @peaceplayers. More than 150 children were at the launch @QUBelfast. @qnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/jLrQilZ6UP

— Simon Hunter (@simezsez) September 18, 2018

Speaking at the launch Leo O’Reilly, Department for Communities Permanent Secretary said:

“The programme provides a new approach to developing the next generation of young leaders on a cross community basis.  It provides young people with skills and knowledge on how to deliver programmes in their local areas paving the way for a peaceful society using the mediums of sport, physical and creative activities.”

When the participants graduate from the programme they will progress onto Ambassador Level which is at a train the trainer standard. 

A new programme has been launched to help disadvantaged young people in Northern Ireland learn new skills, aiming to help them become leaders for positive change. @CommunitiesNI @peaceplayers & @DameKellysTrust are behind the scheme. More than 150 children are at the launch. pic.twitter.com/qhdYMoRLhY

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) 18 de setembro de 2018

The programme also highlights a unique partnership with Peace Players International NI, who bring expertise in peace building and good relations techniques. 

Chairman Trevor Ringland said: "At PeacePlayers we are really excited about this brilliant partnership with the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust. 

The organisations share a common ethos and focus, which places the young people we work with at the centre of everything. 

Through this project we will provide high quality training and experiential learning opportunities that will create a generation of constructive young leaders and ambassadors. 

Graduates of the programme will emerge with the confidence, skills and importantly attitudes and attributes that will allow them to realise their potential as agents for positive change in their own areas and beyond."