Aye Mi (My Life) was the name of a Youth Work Ireland Laois showcase that featured a collection of work by a diverse group of young teenagers and young adults living in Portlaoise.
Curated by broadcaster Ann Marie Kelly, the event at the Dunamaise Arts Centre on October Bank Holiday Monday highlighted the creativity of young people speaking and performing about who and where they are at this moment in time.
The six-month project, which was funded by Creative Ireland Laois, involved recording young, contemporary, and diverse voices on the world they live in through film, audio, and photography. The organisers said it aimed to give them a ‘shared ownership’ of the town they live in.
The audience at the showcase comprised family, friends and guests from the community. Host and facilitator Ann Marie Kelly introduced actor Charlie Hughes who led a warm-up for the audience. Abdullah, a parent of two members of the Youthwork group, gave a Syrian drum performance on the Doumbek.
The centrepiece was five films made by and for the young people, which gave the audience a deep insight into their experiences in Laois.
The Aye Mi showcase also featured an insightful panel discussion involving young people, youth work facilitators and funders. They spoke of the importance of creativity in workshops and the difference it has made in Laois and Offaly.
The participating group comprised 10 young people ranging in age from 14 to 22. While living in Laois, they bring a diverse heritage, including first-generation Irish experiences, Zimbabwean, Filipino, and Syrian backgrounds, among others.
One member, Touka spoke of the benefit.
“Youth Work Ireland, Laois is like a home to me, because it gives me a community,” said Touka.
The organisers believe the Aye Mi project helped members understand their unique heritage and culture, and celebrate differences.
Another member Alab, also spoke highly of the project.
“It’s been quite a good opportunity to ponder the actual impact Youth Services can have on young people who are just starting to navigate life, no matter their level in life,” said Alab.
Clive Davis from Youth Work Ireland Laois spoke at the event.
“These kind of projects are vital for Youth Work Ireland, Laois and integration is the only way forward,” he said.
Pat Wallace, Creative Coordinator with LOETB who funded the showcase, also commented.
“It is wonderful to see in real time how the money that they invested into youth work was working for the locality,” said the coordinator
Ann Marie Kelly said their trip to Glenabarrow in the Slieve Bloom Mountains also raised awareness of native wildlife.
“It gave them knowledge of Laois and a discovery of where they can go to find peace,” she said.
Youth Work Ireland Laois aims to empower young people, support their personal development, and celebrate the multicultural fabric of local communities. The project was funded by Creative Ireland Laois and the evening was funded by LOETB
5. Abdullah Ammouri performing at Aye Mi, presented by Youth Work Ireland in the Dunamaise Arts Centre during Voices of Laois, an evening of short films, live performances and fun with the Aye Mi project funded by Creative Ireland Laois and supported by the LOETB Local Creative Youth Partnership.
Photo: Julie Harvey
6. Ann Marie Kelly (Aye Mi Curator),Tara Roycroft (Youth Work Ireland Laois), Pat Wallis (LOETB), Elaine Boyle (Youth Work Ireland Laois), Touka Chehadeh ( Aye Mi group) and Elaf Ammouri ( Aye Mi group) at Aye Mi, presented by Youth Work Ireland in the Dunamaise Arts Centre during Voices of Laois, an evening of short films, live performances and fun with the Aye Mi project funded by Creative Ireland Laois and supported by the LOETB Local Creative Youth Partnership.
Photo: Julie Harvey
7. Aye Mi group members, Tuoka Chehadeh with Esraa Ammouri, Sheron Conkova (beside her dance solo image), Elaf Ammouri and Chingyi Ho at Aye Mi, presented by Youth Work Ireland in the Dunamaise Arts Centre during Voices of Laois, an evening of short films, live performances and fun with the Aye Mi project funded by Creative Ireland Laois and supported by the LOETB Local Creative Youth Partnership.
Photo: Julie Harvey
8. Megan Ryan with Tadhg Kennelly, Harry and Fiadh McEvoy at Aye Mi, presented by Youth Work Ireland in the Dunamaise Arts Centre during Voices of Laois, an evening of short films, live performances and fun with the Aye Mi project funded by Creative Ireland Laois and supported by the LOETB Local Creative Youth Partnership.
Photo: Julie Harvey