Foróige Youth Committee express their views to Ombudsman for Children

The Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon, today (Wednesday) travelled to Phibblestown to meet with the Foróige Youth Committee to hear their views on children’s rights. This visit formed part of the Ombudsman for Children’s Office Tune In consultation which is underway until the end of November.

Speaking ahead of his visit Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon said:

“My job is about helping to make sure that children’s rights in Ireland are respected and made real for every child and young person under 18 years old. I know that to achieve this, I need to speak to and listen to as many young people as possible. That is why I came to Phibblestown to meet with the Foróige Youth Committee.

“My office has launched a consultation called Tune In, because we want to listen and to hear young people’s ideas on good ways for us to raise awareness and understanding of children’s rights. We are consulting with over 150 schools across the country, as well as many youth groups and organisations, like Foróige.

“I find that our children and young people are often underestimated. We need to give our young people more credit and to realise that they are interested in what’s going on, they’re just informing themselves about issues in different ways.

“Tune In is all about listening and understanding where and how young people would like to get information about children’s rights.

Renagh Hayden, Project Worker with Foróige said

“The Foróige Youth Committee represent the various groups within Foróige in Ongar and Clonee from a variety of Foróige programmes that take place in Foroige Phibblestown each week including NFTE, Leadership, Be Healthy Be Happy and Citizenship.

“The Committee thought it was important to take part in the Tune In Programme and voice their opinions to the Ombudsman.

“We were absolutely delighted when the Ombudsman offered to visit Phibblestown Community Centre to hear about the work of these fantastic young people and to tell them about the amazing work he is doing.

“The young people are full of ideas and suggestions about how the Ombudsman can engage with other young people, ensuring their voices are heard and rights achieved.

“New media such as social and video, and word of mouth from peers and youth workers is key to reaching young people and the youth of Phibbletown are delighted to relay this information to the Ombudsman.

“Participation in the Tune In programme ties into the work they do each week representing young people to enable them to develop consciously and actively in their own development and in the development of society,” Ms Hayden finished.

• 16 Samhna 2016
• Cineál: Preaseisiúint