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| Woodburn YMCA PAKT gets around - Ambassadors for Carrickfergus |
Mon 06 April 2009 |
The month of April saw the end of the YMCA 's Woodburn Parents and Kids Together Group ( PAKT ) programme of residential weekends under the theme of "Stronger Families build Stronger Communities" . The first week end which took place in February was a cross community event with members of Donegal YMCA's ,Milford PAKT group . In total there were 54 adults and Children on the week end which took place in Gorton Donegal . Whilst there was lots of fun events ,there were also a number of workshops looking at a number of tough issues , ranging from family conflict issues to sectarianism and racism . Issues facing families and communities today no matter which side of the border you come from . The second weekend which took place at Greenhill YMCA outdoors centre in Newcastle looked more directly at immediate community issues. It was a very busy week end with lots of activity going including workshops looking at Community identity & ownership of problems ,fear of youth /antisocial behaviour ,problem solving within families and thinking about how the community can resolve its own issues .
All those who took part ,including tutors thought that the weekend ends were very benifical and will definitely help people in solving problems that arise within life . A long time programme facilitator said " he was really impressed with the groups , they were very open and honest with each other which meant that the atmosphere was very relaxed .This meant contentious issues could be discussed and understood in ways he had seldom seen before . People really listened and took onboard new ideas and solutions .Working with both the parents and children within the programme worked especially well".
Carrickfergus YMCA would like to thank its funders for making the programmes possible . They are Co-operation Ireland ,Community Relation Council of Northern Ireland ,NHSSB and the Department for Social Development - Local Community Fund funded through Carrickfergus Borough Council.
Carrickfergus YMCA's vision is of an inclusive Christian Movement, transforming communities so that all young people truly belong, contribute and thrive.
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