‘We Are Cork’ summer youth challenge

Young people in Cork are being challenged to get involved in focussed, positive and fun activities during a summer that has been defined and transformed by the Coronavirus outbreak.

The Cork Education and Training Board (CETB), in partnership with Cork City Council and Cork County Council are piloting the ‘We Are Cork Youth Challenge’ to give young people and teenagers an opportunity to jump into a fresh skill or develop existing talents this summer.

Some 30 challenges across music, arts, society, environment, sport and technology have been set, with participants asked to complete 20 tasks over the summer months and record their experiences for others to see.

A special commemorative medal, from the Lord Mayor and County Mayor will be given to each successful participant, with IT prizes also up for grabs for the most creative and exciting challenges.

The Challenge kicked off on June 22 and already there are close to 200 young people registered to take part,

CETB devised the We Are Cork Youth Challenge in partnership with Cork City Council, Cork County Council, Music Generation, Cork Sports Partnerships and others, in response to the Covid-19 crisis.

It is hoped that thousands of Cork teenagers will get involved and focus their energies and have some fun in the process. The CETB funds over 14 organisations to provide youth services throughout Cork city and county, as well as allocating grants to voluntary youth clubs and organisations.

CETB Chief Executive, Denis Leamy, said

Travel restrictions, the widespread cancellation of summer camps and traditional summer activities have made this a very different summer holiday experience for many young people.

“The CETB has moved quickly to help fill the void, and I urge as many young people as possible to participate,” said Mr. Leamy.

The We Are Cork Youth Challenge will involve young people uploading videos of their challenges completed to Microsoft’s free and secure FLIPGRID app and social media channels which will be moderated by CETB.

Last week over 120 challenges were completed by young people across the city and county, along with over 30 hours of Challenge engagement.

For more information on the We Are Cork Youth Challenge, contact youthchallenge@ corketb.ie.

Photo Jim Coughlan. Eoin Twohig, 109th Ballinora Cork Scout Group; Mick Finn, Youth Officer Cork ETB; Gillian Beasley, Youth Services Cork ETB and Caoimhe Murphy, 109th Ballinora Cork Scout Group at the “We Are Cork Youth Challenge” launch at Cork County Hall.