Launched in 2017 with £89,700 from the International Fund for Ireland, the I AM (Inclusive Accessible Multimedia) Project empowers individuals aged 16-25 to take better control of their lives by exploring cultural identity, personal development and employment opportunities.
The successful one-year project has delivered a range of accredited and non-accredited training alongside good relations workshops, team building exercises and activities that focused on improving confidence, self-esteem and employability.
The celebration event included a show reel of films, photography and podcasts made by the young people and gave guests a chance to try their hand at DJ-ing, recording live music in a studio and pottery.
Paddy Harte, International Fund for Ireland Board Member said:
“The young people deserve credit for the achievements they have made through the I AM project. It is opening new pathways to learning, training and employment and helping turn young lives around. This project has successfully enabled people to reassess their prospects and take active steps to improve their lives and their communities.
“The reality is that there are growing issues of disaffection among young people in many areas across Northern Ireland and that increases the risk of being drawn towards negative influences and a spiral of poor choices. The I AM project tackles issues like anti-social behaviour, alcohol, drugs and mental health and provides young people with practical ways to change their prospects. Projects like this are critical and build momentum for change, stability and prosperity.”
Stella Glasgow, I AM Project Coordinator said:
“The I Am Project addresses the issues that deeply affect young people and gives them the knowledge, skills and competencies to build a more positive future for themselves and others. We’ve been impressed by how each participant has applied themselves within the project and within their communities.
“Music, arts and culture are a great ways to get people together and make something really special. That is happening here in Draperstown. People are coming together to raise their aspirations by challenging themselves and each other.”
Funding to the I AM Project was provided through the International Fund for Ireland’s Personal Youth Development Programme which is managed by the Rural Development Council.
Glasgowbury was established in 2003 to support and enhance creativity and build the capacity of individuals, communities, and the creative industry sector to educate, entertain, inspire active community engagement and promote social inclusion.
