LIMERICK’S West End Youth Centre took one of the top prizes at the national Pride of Place community awards for the wide range of activities it provides to the local community.
Based on Childers Road, the centre caters for young people in the 10 to 24 age group and was winner of the Community- Led Youth Initiative award at the presentation ceremony in Dublin on Saturday.
The competition judges were impressed by the creativity and innovation in many of the centre’s initiatives and were brought on a short tour to see some of the work including a very colourful art project.
“Some of the young people are involved in a boat building project. Others attend programmes to assist the leaders in the delivery of programmes. Overall the judges thought this an excellent entry in the category.”
St Munchin’s Community Centre in Kileely was nominated in the Community Resilience category and were runners-up to Dublin-based group, District 7.
Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place competition was initiated 20 years ago though a Co-operation Ireland programme to acknowledge the invaluable work undertaken by volunteers and those involved in local community development.
It has grown into the largest competition recognising community development achievements on the island of Ireland.
President Michael D Higgins, who is Joint Patron of Co-operation Ireland, said the Pride of Place awards are a most important initiative, reminding us that creating societies that are ethical and inclusive is a task for all of our citizens, of all ages and circumstances.
Pride of Place founder and Chairman Tom Dowling said that after 20 years the awards continue to be about acknowledging the important caring work of all our communities as they continue their daily journey of making the path of life easier for all.”
Dr Christopher Moran, Chairman of Co-operation Ireland said that the impact the awards cannot be overestimated, and their continuing success is down to the dedicated volunteers and their love of where they live.
