Brian O’Neill travelled 8,330km from Mayo, Ireland to deliver the Foroige Leadership for Life program to students at Thamarai and to start Foroige’s first youth club in India. Brian is a youth worker at the Bey project Ballyhaunis, Ireland. Both The Bey and Thamarai projects stand for equity and the full potential of youth. Since 2022, young people on both sides have engaged in zoom link ups to share their culture, co-created an international story book and created a virtual gallery of their work.
Brian spent a month as a resource person at Thamarai. The Leadership for Life program enables young people aged 15-18 to develop the skills and qualities necessary to be inspiring leaders. Young people are empowered to make a positive change in their community through practical actions and projects. Module 1 of Leadership for Life was completed by 11 Indian students and there are plans over the next 2 years to complete module 2 & 3 which would then give the Indian students a certificate from 2 Irish universities. This training builds on the existing work that Thamarai is committed to through the Radical Transformational Leadership, global and local programs, for young people and adults. The Mayo connection was also enriched with the RTL leadership program held in Atlantic Technological University, Castlebar, Mayo in 2023 by RTL creator Dr. Monica Sharma.
During the recent Leadership for Life program, Thamarai students created their own inspired definition of leadership ” Leadership is the organising, guiding, and inspiring of people to do what is right and achieve equality in the world”. “I learned how to express my ideas clearly with good communication skills” “I can learn how to become a leader in my community”.
Brian shared ” “From my month in Thamarai, I have experienced nothing but warmth and kindness. I have come to learn that Thamarai is a home for everyone, much like my home in Ballyhaunis where people from all over the world have made a home.Thamarai is an example of what every good community should be “
As a prerequisite to starting Foroige youth clubs, seven Thamarai staff members completed the Foroige club start up online training in November 2024 with Gerry Prior and Andy Neary from Foroige. We look forward to further building connections and friendships.
On Brian O’’Neill’s last day in Thamarai, the first Foroige, Indian club was born with the election of youth officers from the Leadership for Life graduates. Students stepped forward for the positions of chairperson, treasurer, communications officer and secretary. The club will provide a safe, enjoyable place for young people to meet, get involved in activities, learn how to hold and organise meetings and have a voice. Foróige Clubs were started in Ireland in the 1950’s. It was a delight to have Brian with us, his care and commitment is outstanding. We learned from his preparedness and professional delivery while keeping sessions fun and light”.