Youth workers grill Ministry of Defence

12 November 2008

The third Youth Workers Network conference took place in Birmingham on 6-7 November. Bringing together 60 youth workers from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the conference gave youth workers the opportunity to network and share experiences of exciting global youth work projects which are going on around the country.

Participants heard from youth workers about the projects they’ve been working on in their YMCAs, they had the opportunity to find out more about Y Care International’s work and our Youth Justice in Action campaign, and take part in workshops, debating issues such as: ‘does religion have a role in global youth work?’

Hot topics
Participants even got the chance to take part in a panel debate on the recruitment of young people into the armed forces, with special guests: Richard ‘Nooky’ Naukoyas, of Bad Lads Army fame, Brigadier Stephen Andrews CBE, representing the Ministry of Defence and David Gee, an independent researcher who runs a website for young people thinking of joining the armed forces.

Hot topics included the recruitment of young people to the military at the age of 16, the role of women in the military and whether the army focuses its recruitment drives in deprived areas of the country.

During the conference, participants had the chance to feed back on how the Network is working for them and discuss its future direction. Many of those who attended were new to the network and went away fired up to become more involved in Y Care International’s global youth work programmes.

Some participant comments are below:

•    “Outstanding and inspirational”
•    “Really good conference – enjoyed it!”
•    “So much great work going on – great sharing opportunity”
•    “I’ll take away a renewed passion for global youth work”

About the network
The Youth Workers Network currently has over 200 members and is funded by the Department for International Development (DfID). It provides training and support to youth workers and YMCA staff who want to develop innovative programmes of global youth work with marginalised young people in YMCAs.

Through the network, members can access funding opportunities, an online forum, training, events, overseas delegations, and share resources and best practice with other youth workers. The success of the network is down to the hard work and continued enthusiasm of its members who are willing to help drive it forward. If you would like to get involved, find out more here or email us at: globalyouthwork@ycareinternational.org

Find out more about global youth work