Foróige, the National Youth Development Organisation

Foróige is the leading youth organisation in Ireland and has been working with young people since 1952.  Our purpose is to enable young people to involve themselves consciously and actively in their development and in the development of society.

We work with over 50,000 young people aged 10-18 each year through volunteer-led Clubs and staff-led Youth Projects. Foróige currently operates in 26 counties in Ireland, with more than 600 Foróige Clubs, 150 Youth Projects, the Big Brother Big Sister mentoring programme, the Foróige Youth Entrepreneurship programme, our Youth Citizenship and Youth Leadership programmes.

Foróige works with all young people through our general services. Foróige Clubs, Foróige Juniors, Foróige Interest Clubs, Foróige Youth Cafés encourage young people to take responsibility for themselves and to be part of shaping the world around them while developing their talents, skills and abilities. We also work with vulnerable young people who require additional support through a full range of targeted services. 

Targeted services such as Garda Youth Diversion Projects, Teen Parent Support Programmes and Neighbourhood Youth Projects, help young people to deal with issues associated with poverty, marginalisation and social exclusion, under-achievement at school, early school leaving, youth crime, substance abuse and family difficulties in a safe friendly environment. 

All Foróige Clubs, Projects, Services and Programmes are designed to achieve these outcomes in a developmental and fun way, by:

1. Building self esteem and confidence through challenging experiences

2. Develop the ability to manage personal and social relationships

3. Providing learning opportunities which enable youth to gain knowledge and develop new skills

4. Build young people’s capacity to consider risks and consequences, make informed decisions and take responsibility