Friends of Africa (FOA), in partnership with East Africa Youth NI (EAYNI) have wrapped up yet another successful Summer Scheme.

Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community fund, this is the third year that FOA and EAYNI have been able to organise and facilitate the programme. 

The Summer Scheme invited 25 young people living in temporary accommodation across Belfast to take part in a week of games, sport, craft and day trips and the action-packed week proved to be another massive hit with all the young people involved. 

Fatma, who has been a member of Friends of Africa for two years and who volunteered throughout the week said: 

“It has been wonderful to be able to run the summer scheme again this year. Most of the young people are living in temporary accommodation indefinitely and having spoken to many of the parents, it is clear that not having enough space to exercise and play games has a big impact on the children. 

“And so, we planned a week filled with sports, games and trips to different activity centres including Let’s Go Hydro and Colin Glen – both days were a massive hit with the group!

“External facilitators came in throughout the week to run different sessions, we worked hard to make sure we had something for everyone. This included dance, GAA sports, an art and wellness session and soccer.”

As a youth work organisation, FOA continues to prioritise youth work training and all members who volunteered throughout the week had previously achieved their OCN Level 2 in Youth Work thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund. 

Informed youth work practices were evident throughout the week which helped to make for an even more successful summer scheme. 

Building on feedback received from 2022, FOA welcomed a young leader from EAYNI who had previously taken part in the Summer Scheme but who now wanted to step up as a volunteer this year – Mohammed proved to be a huge asset to the team!

As is tradition with any FOA/EAYNI Summer Scheme, the week ended with a celebration. Friends and family were invited to join on the last day to enjoy some delicious food cooked by the Kind Economy, music and great company – The success of the week was a credit to the volunteers, external facilitators and of course the wonderful group of young people.

We are extremely grateful for the continued partnership with the National Lottery Community Fund, without this support our programmes would not be possible!