National Council of YMCAs Ireland

BACKGROUND

The YMCA in Ireland is a voluntary organisation that works with children, young people, families and the community, with particular regard to those who are disadvantaged and disaffected. Underpinned by Christian principles, each YMCA responds to local need and seeks to share and learn from being a part of a national and international movement. YMCA works in over 34 communities providing services ranging from peace building to vocational training. The Irish YMCA works on both sides of the border. The YMCA movement  believe in supporting young people to achieve their potential and their goals. 

CURRENT PROJECTS

The key themes supported throughout the YMCA family are:

• Health and well being
• International engagement
• Peace building and inter-culturalism
• Christian value base
• Personal development
• Justice and citizenship
• Family support

YMCA has been involved in development education via a range of projects. They have partnered with YMCA’s in the Global South. The Young Reporters project has used digital video and podcasting projects (ConversationZ) to engage with changemakers such as the President Michael D Higgins and UN Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohamed.

They are currently planning a new project that involves engaging groups of young people with the Sustainable Development Goals, through the creative use of digital technology. Climate action is also part of many aspects of the YMCA’s work, as is action against racism and hate speech.