The first phase of the Erasmus + YESDGs – Youth Empowerment for the Sustainable Development Goals project is just wrapping up!

This phase of the project was focused on an analysis of youth SDG knowledge and competence and involved desk research, a survey and focus groups with young people and youth workers in the Ballyhoura area.

In January, three focus groups were conducted across various locations:

• Venture Scouts in Murroe-Boher Scout Group
• Transition Year students at Scoil Pól, Kilfinane
• Students at Coláiste Iósaef, Kilmallock

Key Findings and Concerns

The outcomes revealed varying levels of SDG knowledge and engagement across the three groups.

Results of the research indicated that there is a strong consensus from the surveys, focus groups and previous research that although there is resounding concern and sometimes even high levels of anxiety about the SDGs and climate change from the Irish people there is a lack of action from both the Irish Government and world leaders, with many feeling they are more concerned than the government.

Many young people also expressed that they didn’t know how to have their voices heard and have an impact on these issues.

There is a need to educate young people on how to get involved and empower them to act!

In terms of the SDGs more widely in both the surveys and focus groups SDG1 (No Poverty) was an SDG which was frequently prioritised by young people but was not seen as a priority of the Government of Ireland. 

In terms of solutions, there was a strong focus from the previous research on the need to improve sustainable transport options in rural Ireland and more education on sustainable energy.

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Get Involved!

Ballyhoura Development are looking forward to working on the next stage of the YESDGs project and hope to empower young people in the area to take actions for sustainable development.

If you are interested in learning more about the project or are involved in a youth group that may want to take part get in touch with Development Officer, Jill Pitcher Farrell at [email protected].

 Find Out More About YESDGs Project

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