Welsh Government
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Celebrate youth work and try something new
Eight young people from all over Wales have just returned from a month-long trip to Mongolia that has put their passion about climate change into practice.
Youth Work Week, which runs from 1 to 7 November, is an annual celebration of the role of youth workers and youth groups in Wales.
The Welsh Government supported initiative is designed to encourage more young people to get involved in regular community-based activities and to encourage more people to become volunteers and youth workers.
It is also a great opportunity for young people, aged between 11 and 25 to have a go at learning a new skill or experiencing the world of work.
Youth work covers a whole host of disciplines, as well as working in youth clubs there are opportunities to take part in conservation, media, sport and many other projects in Wales and abroad.
The experience gained in such projects can often lead to gaining qualification accreditation and full-time employment.
Deputy Minister for Skills, Jeff Cuthbert said:
“Youth Work Week is a great opportunity for young people to have a go at something new or learn a skill that could help them with their future education or career.
“Learning a new skill can be an enjoyable, fun experience as well as helping you in your future working life. I hope as many young people as possible try out an event near them and discover something new.
“It is also an opportunity to celebrate the contribution youth workers make and the positive impact they have on the lives of the next generation.
“Youth programmes across Wales allow young people to fulfil a range of interests and provide an outlet for their positive development and creativity. These programmes would not be possible without the support and dedication of youth workers.”
This year also sees the introduction of new awards to reward the most dedicated and talented youth workers in Wales.
The Youth Work Wales Excellence Awards 2012, in conjunction with the local authority and voluntary Youth Service and the Welsh Government, are a chance for youth workers, youth projects and young people involved in youth work to be recognised by the communities they serve.
Nomination forms will be available from the 14th November on the Thanks Sam website, and the awards ceremony will be held in February next year at the SWALEC Stadium in Cardiff.
To find out what's going on in your area and information about Youth Work in Wales visit the Thanks Sam website.
