Over the last three-and-a-half years Kesh Development Association has been running the Kesh Community Youth Project, funded by Peace II through YESIP. With the funding coming to an end the Project marked its close with 'An Evening Celebration' on the 2nd June.
The closing of the programme which was co-ordinated by Kellie Beacom, results in the loss of one full-time job for the area, and also the loss of youth services for the teenagers in the town, who have suffered a double blow with the closure of their youth club in Devenish College.
To mark the end of the scheme over 300 young people were invited to celebrate their contribution to this project. With the help of a BBQ, perfect weather and live bands young people enjoyed the relaxed presentation and danced to superb performances by local band 'Waste of Space', and performances by Killadeas' Johnston brothers and associates. The focal of the night, however, was to celebrate the significance to the local area that the Kesh Community Youth Project had made .
During its activity, over 70 courses were run, offering in excess of 600 course places. Over 250 young people registered with the Project, some of whom were 'serial' course attendees, Kellie Beacom explained.
"Just a few examples: we had Digital Photography, Salsa, Driving Theory, First Aid, Job Interview Tips, Relationship Courses, Computing Qualifications, Trade Tasters, Arts and Crafts, Hip Hop Classes, Make Up & Beauty, GCSE Maths and English. Over 40 young people received accreditation for their efforts.
"Opportunities included digger and fork lift driving, jeep driving, karting, rock climbing, water skiing, conferences, canoeing, team building residentials, archery, tours of Derry and Belfast, horse riding, and shooting. Creative opportunities included samba drumming, circus skills, making music, animation DVD's and murals".
The project was delivered in Kesh, Belleek, Lack, Ederney, in community halls, hotel function rooms, computer suites, schools FE Colleges and even in a Chinese restaurant!
One of the core activities of the project was the operation of the North Fermanagh Youth Forum. In their first year, they organised a disco with a Blind Date theme, in their second year they organised two discos and a fireworks display. Last year, they ran the Kesh-Factor talent quest, and on a more serious note, they strove to tackle real community issues and worked on projects to try and address antisocial behaviour, graffiti, and transport issues.
Kesh Development Association, through the 'Herald', asked space to thank the workers, volunteers, organisations and participants who contributed to this Project.
"We hope that the young people involved will cherish and appreciate the support they have received as a result of this activity in their area. With the project now finished, it does not mean that the Association is not still highly committed to its young people for we will continue to strive to campaign for continued youth provision locally", Kellie Beacom promised.
