Reactiv8/2

The ‘Reactiv-8/2 Programme’, funded through the International Fund for Ireland Personal Youth Development Project and operated by Donegal Youth Service is a free youth employability programme on offer to young people aged 16-25yrs. 

Recruitment for Phase 2 is ongoing, so young people can join at any time. The programme is responsive and reactive and works across various areas throughout Donegal and Tyrone.  Currently working in Letterkenny, Ballybofey, Strabane, St. Johnston and Buncrana.

There are various reasons young people may not be reaching their full potential; they could have left school early, not completed their formal education, or maybe are finding it difficult to access training options or opportunities which could lead to employment, they may find it hard to promote themselves in the current labour market or might be in need of supportive one to one work helping them to focus on exactly what it is they want to attain.

Free Programme  |  Lunch Provided  |  Help towards childcare  |  Help towards transport

Who is it for?

The programme is suitable for young people aged 16-25 years and will work with young people to promote their personal, social & community development, abilities, and develop and grow their employability options through a suite of training programmes, specifically targeting employability and the world of work.  To help young people build and develop life skills that foster good relations, build confidence and resilience and make them more employable.

Reactiv8 Phase 1 Celebration Event 2018

What do we do?

  • Place a focus on good relations and preparing young people for the world of work.
  • Build new bridges that connect young people to personalised learning, skills and employment opportunities.
  • Is based on a youth work approach rather than a formal education/training model.
  • Have clear output targets and key performance indicators (to measure the volume and quality of activities delivered to PYDP participants) and clear outcome targets and key performance indicators to measure attitudinal change in terms of good relations; progression rates into employment, education and training; and community development improvements.

What does the programme entail?

  • Accredited training
  • Garda Vetting / Access NI
  • CV Building
  • Transport
  • Team Building
  • Good Relations
  • Work Experience
  • Residentials
  • Interview Preparation
  • OCN Essential Skills in English/Maths

Features of The PYDP Programme

Four levels tailored to the individual needs of the participants:

LEVEL 1: Places a strong emphasis on Good Relations where you will gain improved awareness of self and others.  You will get a chance to explore your own communities and develop a better understanding & tolerance of diverse groups, their beliefs and culture.

LEVEL 2: Personal Development where you will have improved social and emotional capabilities.  Communication, confidence, self-esteem, leadership, managing feelings, resilience and determination.  As well as one-to-ones, group work, residentials and field trips.

LEVEL 3: Education and Employability Development – creating a CV, job searches, interview skills, help with applications, work experiences etc.

LEVEL 4: Community Champions – Young people positively engaged in the community.  Accredited training, community activities community projects, access to 3rd level education, opportunities certificate in Youth & Community Work.

Members of Strabane and Sion Mills Youth Group who received their certificates in 2017.

Duration for each of the levels will be determined by the needs and learning styles of each individual participant.  In addition to core shared development modules each participant will have a personalised, flexible, training plan based on an initial training needs analysis which will be reviewed and amended throughout the programme.

As far as possible PYDP training will be accredited and will add to a portfolio of skills and experience for each participant.  Participants that exit any level prior to completion will be given the opportunity to rejoin should they wish.

Training where possible will be delivered on thematic needs (e.g. a number of participants may declare an interest in website design so a training course will be provided as far as is practically possible.

For more information about Reactiv-8/2 please contact Youth Employability Workers Michelle Wylam on +353 85 2519287 / michelle.wylam@donegalyouthservice.ie or Helen Simms on +353 85 889 1014 / helen.simms@donegalyouthservice.ie or call the DYS office on 074 91 29630.

Funded by: