Heartfelt thanks to Principal John Gallagher for extending an invitation to attend the official opening of St. Bronagh’s Primary School and Youth Club in Rostrevor today. It was nice to get an early glimpse before the big crowd arrived.
We live in a world where criticism of young people, especially on social media, is all around us. The actions of a few can often tarnish a generation. Young people often bear the brunt of government cutbacks and subsequently, community despair. So it is particularly encouraging to see such powerful investment in local youth facilities today in Rostrevor: when we invest in facilities and services we invest directly in young people. When we invest in young people, we empower young adults to effectively contribute to our community as well.
Youth empowerment is key to encouraging young people to take charge of their lives. I believe by improving access to resources we can transform their beliefs, values and attitudes. The official opening of the youth club and school in Rostrevor today is vital: these facilities are the gateway to intergenerational and community engagement enabling our youth to become productive, healthy young adults and members of our community.
Anti-social behaviour amongst young people is one of the greatest challenges our rural communities face today. However, studies have shown that scaring young people yields weak results.
The most positive youth development comes from grass-roots initiatives such as local clubs run by dedicated members of the community.
The official opening of St. Bronagh’s Primary School and Youth Club today is such a positive reinforcement of our communities commitment to ensuring the long-term creation of healthier and higher qualities of life for all our children.
Well done to all the dedicated staff, parents, pupils, volunteers, youth workers and parish staff who were instrumental in seeing this project to fruition.
They say “it takes a village to raise a child” and you have done our children proud today!
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