Vox Pop Submitted by John Madden
Challenging times call for creative solutions, and while we’re all aware that the schools are shut and are very limited in what they can do effectively, youth work across Ireland is also having to adapt. There’s a saying out there, “youth work works” and it does. It has made vast differences in so many lives, not just Travellers, but people from all walks of life; and just because Covid-19 is being a huge hindrance at the moment doesn’t mean that the highly valuable youth workers across Ireland aren’t doing their level-best to keep things going. Travellers’ Voice caught up with four youth workers from across Ireland to see what they have been doing to try and keep young people engaged throughout this unique and testing time. Here’s what they had to say:
Kay McCabe-Coordinator with Involve, County Meath:
How has this affected your work with your young people?
“Covid-19 has totally affected how we deliver our service to the young people, but it hasn’t changed what we are delivering; which is support and activities to keep them connected to each other and the service. We were very much thrown into the deep end of learning as we go, as far as digital youth work is concerned.”
How have you tried to overcome this?
“We have adapted quickly; we have always used on-line platforms and social media a lot to share our work, and keep in touch with parents and young people, so it hasn’t been too far of a stretch to extend this. Saying this, some of our young people do not have great access to internet or adequate technologies to stay in constant contact with us.”
What are the young people saying about the crisis?
“The young people are frustrated with the situation. They are used to being with their mates and being social. As adults we used to tell them to put down the phones and get outside where as now, we are telling them to stay in and go on their phones. They are also annoyed that “all” young people were being accused of not caring and ignoring HSE guidelines; to tackle this they made an online video too, so the young people do care.”
Advice to other youth services during this difficult time?“
I would tell other organisations to get creative and to share with each other what is and isn’t working. Going on the platforms that the young people like is the best way to connect to them. Give regular HSE and government updates as some fake news is floating about online.”
Rachel Coffey –Coordinator with Cork Traveller Visibility Group:
How has this affected your work with your young people?
“I do think this has affected youth work especially when it is Traveller specific youth work. It is difficult to reach all young people to check in as some do not have access to internet or have a smart phone. Our work is on pause as we can’t get to outreach over the virus.”
How have you tried to overcome this?“
It is difficult to overcome especially when you work closely with the community and young people, so ways to overcome this is to keep updating our FB page with information and text with parents to check in. It is a difficult time and I know the young people are missing their weekly group as most of them do not engage with mainstream youth services.”
What are the young people saying about the crisis?
“The young people are worrying about school and also the parents. There is a lot of uncertainty at the minute, so right now all we can do is text to check in. I know it’s hard for young people not seeing family, so that is another thing that is coming up.”
Advice to other youth services during this difficult time?
“Check in with the young people and also parents because it is a worrying time for the community. Those living on halting sites in poor conditions have more issues, so it’s just about acknowledging that and try to support them in any way possible. As a youth worker during this time, (it) can be challenging because you can’t do much from home.”
Martin Mongan –Coordinator with Involve, Letterkenny, County Donegal:
How has this affected your work with your young people?
“Like other youth organisations and projects, it has made my work more challenging, it is difficult to engage with hard to reach young people but it’s extra tricky now. Youth work is about meeting with young people and doing activities, right now, that’s not possible.”
How have you tried to overcome this?
“We have started to do activity packs, video calls, messenger groups and phone calls; whatever works for the young people.”
What are the young people saying about the crisis?
“The majority of the young people that we work with are adhering to the HSE guidelines, but there is always one or two who have trouble sticking to it. The young people are finding it tough being in lockdown all the time, (and) can’t mix with their friends or families. For some young people who are living in inadequate circumstances it is more challenging, they have no running water, no toilet facilities,(and) not enough room in their caravans, etc.“
Advice to other youthservices during this difficult time?
“I would say to do what you can, it is very challenging times and especially with youth work. The principles of youth work cannot be delivered in the normal way, but come up with alternative pathways, there are some on (the) Youthwork Ireland website, and look at other youth projects for ideas. Be creative!”
Lee Anna Ward and Sinead Allen–Coordinators with Galway Traveller Movement & YWI Galway:
From a youth work perspective, how has this affected your work with youryoung people?
“It has changed the way we engage with young people, we have/are trying to engage with them remotely. Some of the ideas we hoped to use, parents don’t agree with.”
How have you tried to overcome this?
“Some youths don’t want to engage on the Zoom (A video calling App), sowe are looking at different platforms e.g. conference call. Linking in with the parents also via social media; (and) sending the message to them.”
What are the young people saying about the crisis?
“They are aware of the seriousness of the coronavirus and are trying to follow the HSE guidelines and restrictions. They are concerned about the future, and concerned about their family and friends, they’re anxious and worried about their schoolwork, exams and social life.”
Advice to other youth services during this difficult time?
“(They) need to engage with parents and guardians to reassure them that the use of online platforms e.g. Zoom is safe as (it’s) setup by youth worker. Respect (that) parents aren’t comfortable with their youth being opened to this window of new technology.”
