Kildare Youthworkers gather for Galway conference

“AGAINST the backdrop of growing concern about child poverty, school absenteeism, and mental health challenges, we’re shining a light on youth work as a transformative force for young people —even in the face of adversity,” said Paddy Lavelle General Secretary of Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI).

“Youth work is not just a service; it is a lifeline for young people in communities affected by economic hardship and child poverty. Youth workers help our young people build resilience, develop skills, and access education and opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.” 

In a message of support to the more than 160 youthwork leaders, practitioners and participants including those from Kildare attending the annual conference in Galway, President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins highlighted the “crucial role” of youthwork.

“Its contemporary focus, and it is so important now more than ever, is on those who face particular challenges or who live on society’s margins, young people experiencing economic hardship, social exclusion, or cultural displacement, members of the Traveller community, our migrant communities, LGBTQ+ youth, and all those who may find themselves isolated or vulnerable.” 

A key theme of the conference was the relationship between youth work and education. The recent move of youth work policy and funding to the new Department of Education and Youth has been welcomed as a step in the right direction. 

ETBI’s Youth Support Services Manager Ruth Griffin, stated: “This move reflects a growing understanding that supporting young people’s wellbeing, school attendance, and life chances requires a holistic approach—one that values both formal education and non-formal, community-based learning. However, this shift must be matched with sustainable investment, better integration across services, and meaningful collaboration between schools, youth services, and families. We cannot expect youth work to plug the gaps in education, housing, and mental health support without the resources to do so, but with proper funding and recognition, youth work can be the glue that holds communities together, and the spark that ignites change.” Education and Training Boards are charged with responsibility for Youth Work in the ETB 2013 Act which identifies Youth Work as a planned programme of education designed for the purpose of aiding and enhancing the personal and social development of young persons through their voluntary participation.

Ireland’s 16 ETBs are the leading state providers of education and training in Ireland. Collectively, they have responsibility for 30 Community National Schools and 250 post primary schools with over 117,000 students.

ETB post-primary schools are the largest provider of education through the medium of Irish with 48 schools, and are also the largest provider of multi-denominational education in Ireland.

They also deliver Further Education and Training to over 226,000 FET learners each year across 500+ learner locations and play a central role in the delivery of apprenticeships and traineeships in partnership with employers.

ETBs also support, monitor, and deliver youth services. The ETB Sector employs over 32,000 people and has a combined annual spend in excess of €2bn.