New Digital Youth Hub launched for young people in Portlaoise

Before the holiday break, the Foróige Old Bank Youth Centre was buzzing with excitement as it unveiled its innovative new Foróige Digital Youth Hub.

The official launch took place on Friday, December 13, with a showcase event hosted by Portlaoise UBU, marking the beginning of a new chapter in empowering young people through digital youth work.

The event featured interactive demonstrations by local young people, who highlighted the new equipment and resources now available to them at the hub.

The Foróige Digital Youth Hub is a vital part of the organization's digital youth work programme, Foróige Go: Digital skills for what’s now and next, which combines creativity, fun, and education to help young people develop essential skills for the 21st century.

Designed to inspire and empower, the Foróige Digital Youth Hub offers a wide variety of opportunities to enhance personal and professional development.

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Among the many offerings are driver theory and employability skills courses, as well as creative activities such as podcasting, DJing, 3D design, and laser engraving. The hub aims to provide young people with the tools they need to develop critical skills while exploring their passions and preparing for the future.

At the core of the initiative is Foróige’s digital youth work approach, which promotes the development of key skills such as empathy, critical thinking, and digital citizenship.

These skills are not only crucial for young people’s engagement with digital technologies, but also play a vital role in their personal and social development, shaping their values and strengthening their ability to connect with others in a positive, meaningful way.

The development of the Foróige Digital Youth Hub was made possible through funding from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, in partnership with Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board youth services.

Young people are supported by staff and volunteers in reaching their full potential. If you are interested in finding out more or would like to volunteer in the new digital hub please contact Darren on 086-136 7597 or email darren.shanahan@foroige.ie.