journeys launch

CMETB Celebrates Launch of Cavan & Monaghan Journeys Programmes

Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB) proudly celebrated the official launch of the Journeys programmes for Cavan and Monaghan on Wednesday, 16 April 2025 in The Garage Theatre, Monaghan. The launch event marked a major milestone in the expansion of the cross-community, cross-border Journeys Project, funded by PEACEPLUS through the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

Delivered in partnership with Springboard, Roe Valley Residents Association, CMETB, and Ráth Mór Creggan Enterprises, Journeys is an innovative initiative supporting young people aged 14–24 from diverse backgrounds in Greater Belfast, Limavady, Derry, and Cavan and Monaghan. The project empowers participants to realise their potential, build meaningful relationships, and actively contribute to a shared, cohesive society. The programmes are delivered in collaboration with local youth organisations,  Foroige, Youth Work Ireland Cavan and Monaghan and the Local Creative Youth Programme.

The event brought together local stakeholders, youth leaders, educators, and community members to celebrate the voices and talents of the young people involved. Attendees were treated to video presentations, participant showcases, and creative displays that reflected the skills, teamwork, and personal growth fostered through the programme.

Speaking at the event, Dr Linda Pinkster, Director of Further Education and Training (FET) at CMETB, said:

“Today, we celebrate not just the start of these projects in Cavan and Monaghan, but the courage, creativity, and community spirit of our youth. Through Journeys, they are building new connections, discovering their potential, and leading the way in creating a more inclusive society.”

The Journeys Programmes in Cavan and Monaghan offer three distinct pathways to meet the needs of young people:

  • Alternatives Project (14–16-year-olds): Aimed at those at risk of early school leaving, this project builds positive routines and supports personal and social development in an informal learning environment.
  • Options Project (18–24-year-olds): A youth-led programme where participants set and work toward personal goals to enhance employability, confidence, and citizenship.
  • Face Off Project (16–24-year-olds): Designed for young people with an interest in the creative arts, encouraging collaboration and cultural exchange across communities and borders.

Journeys promotes peacebuilding, diversity, and active citizenship, helping participants grow both personally and collectively in a supportive, inclusive space.

This initiative is supported by PEACEPLUS, a €1.14 billion EU-funded cross-border programme designed to foster peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland administration. For more information about the Journeys Programmes, please contact the CMETB Journeys team at youthwork@cmetb.ie

 

Pictured

Back row L-R: Una Rudden (Assistant Staff Officer, CMETB), Chloe Magill (Communications Officer, Springboard), Caolan Faux (Director, Youth Work Ireland Cavan/Monaghan), Conor Hamilton (Team Leader, Springboard), James Magee (Coordinator, Springboard) Brian Coleman (Principal Officer, DCEDIY), Colin McAree (Area Manager, Foróige), Alan Ryan (Coordinator, Local Creative Youth Partnership), Sarah McGearty (Assistant Staff Officer, CMETB) and Sonya McQuaid (Youth Officer, CMETB)

Front row L-R: Dr Linda Pinkster (Director of FET, CMETB), Dr Fiona McGrath (Chief Executive, CMETB), Cllr. Carmel Brady (Chairperson, CMETB), Cllr. Aidan Campbell (Chairperson, CMETB Youthwork Committee), Robbie Gallagher (Senator for Cavan Monaghan) and Maureen McIntyre (Youth Development and Wellbeing Officer, CMETB)