Kerry students display their skills

THE Minister of State for Communities and National Drugs Strategy, Catherine Byrne, was treated to a morning of sprightly enthusiasm when she visited the Kingdom to assess the great work being done by Kerry Life Skills (KLS).

KLS have been busy working with young people in primary and post-primary schools throughout Kerry for over thirteen years and on this occasion the Minister sat in on a workshop in the Kerry Life Skills’ mobile classroom with 6th class boys from ‘The Mon’ primary school in Killarney.

The Minister heard from the class about their fun experiences of working in the mobile classroom for the past 8 years. Afterwards, there was an opportunity for her to meet the class where they asked questions about her own work and told her about their efforts to promote cultural diversity.

Accompanying the Minister was Colm Ó Súilleabháin, principal of The Monastery, and Sean Coffey, principal of St Brendan’s College, Killarney. Together they outlined the continuity provided by the KLS service and emphasised its ability to support the work of the school by engaging interactively with students, regardless of their age.

The Minister was very enthusiastic by what she saw and the great work being done in Kerry. She also praised efforts to ensure the work continues on a sustainable level. With this in mind, Sheila Casey - Kerry Life Skills Chairperson - introduced Colm McEvoy, CEO of Kerry ETB, with whom Kerry Life Skills are exploring a partnership.

“Any day you get people from so many different backgrounds and organisations thinking about how to support young people is brilliant,” said Seamus Whitty, Project Manager with KLS. “You had primary and secondary schools represented, as well as students from all over the world involved in promoting wellbeing for young people. It was really positive and Minister Byrne really understood what we’re trying to do here in Kerry,” he added.

Kerry Life Skills supports the positive mental health and overall well-being of young people. Its original concept was a joint initiative.

Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin Minister for State for Communications and the National Drugs Strategy Catherine Byrne with Cllr Tom McEllistrim Kerry Life Skills, Colm Ní Shuilleabhain Principal Presentation Monastery School, Sheila Casey Chairperson Kerry Life Skills (back) Sean...