On Saturday, Queen’s University Belfast proudly celebrated the graduation of its first cohort from the Level 4 Certificate in Youth Leadership and Community Action (30 CATS), a programme delivered in partnership with Foróige and R-CITY, opening up new possibilities of employment and future study for young people aged 16-18. 

The graduation ceremony marked a significant milestone for the 32 young leaders from Belfast’s Ardoyne and Shankill areas who, over the two-year course, have developed the critical thinking, problem-solving, empathy, and resilience skills central to effective leadership, delivered through community-focused projects. 

Speaking on the achievement, Dr Ryan Feeney, Vice President for Governance and External Affairs and Registrar at Queen’s, said: 

“We are immensely proud of our Level 4 graduates and know the skills and experience they’ve developed will have a significant ripple effect across our society for years to come. 

“The experiences of these young people highlight that education is about empowering individuals and recognising there are many pathways to development. 

“The completion of this course is a truly wonderful expression of our Civic Mission and we look forward to the continued growth of our partnership with Foróige and R-CITY.” 

The Level 4 Certificate, developed by Foróige, provides young people with essential leadership skills while R-CITY facilitated the programme’s modules through creative and engaging activities.  

As an accredited programme, it allows graduates to earn 30 CATS (Credit Accumulation and Transfer) points, offering a strong foundation for further education and employment opportunities. 

Alan Waite, Co-founder of R-CITY, highlighted the significance of this partnership:  

“The partnership with Queen’s University and Foróige has been amazing for us as an organisation. R-CITY have taken so much learning from Foróige in terms of leadership programme delivery, and the global connections they add. 

“The Queen’s leadership programme is a massive opportunity for our young people to close the gap in their educational journey. A qualification from Queen’s University opens up a world of possibilities for these young people, empowering them to explore new paths and thinking towards their futures, maybe some even returning to Queen’s for future study.”  

The programme’s success is an example of Queen’s Civic Mission and its long-standing commitment to working with community partners to create opportunities for young people.  

By engaging with Foróige and R-CITY, the University has been able to support local young people in developing critical thinking, problem-solving, empathy, and resilience skills through community-focused projects. 

Sean Campbell, Chief Executive at Foróige, also commended the graduates’ achievements:  

“The programme allows young people to develop key skills, critical thinking, good communication, creative problem solving, planning and goal setting, empathy and resilience. These are the key skills for success in college, work and life.  

“The youth leadership programme teaches these skills to the young people, and then challenges them to use these skills, to master these skills, in community and social action projects and engagements.” 

Statistics gathered by Queen’s student finance team show that at least 14% of Queen’s students come from households in the lowest earning bracket.  

Dr Feeney added: 

“Part of our civic mission is to widen access to learning and higher education for young people across our society, regardless of background and it’s important that we are non-linear in this approach.  

“Programmes such as this set a powerful precedent, demonstrating successful collaboration between academia and community engagement in achieving positive outcomes for young people across the region.” 

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