PROJECTS
NORTHERN IRELAND NETWORK FOR YOUTH
.... ADVANCE NOTIFICATION ....
In 2005 the then Minister for Education announced plans to establish a Northern Ireland Network for Youth (NINFY) which will 'strengthen the direct voice of young people in all relevant aspects of government provision'.
A working group has been set up by the Department of Education, and is chaired by the Youth Council for NI. The working group will oversee a consultation process, and in Spring 2008 will advise the Department on the options for NINFY.
In Autumn 2007 the working group will issue a consultation paper giving a range of possible options for NINFY, and you will be contacted for feedback on these options. It is essential that children and young people play a big part in shaping NINFY, and so a 'youth friendly' version of the paper will be circulated widely to a range of relevant groups. In addition a series of consultations will be held with children and young people, using methods appropriate to their ages and capabilities.
NINFY has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people. It will be a high-profile expression of children and young people's right to be involved in public decision making and to be engaged as active citizens in Northern Ireland. It is also important that the design of NINFY is part of an overarching and coherent system for children and young people's participation.
As it is essential to get the best possible model for NINFY, we would encourage you to respond to the consultation paper when it is published later this year.
.... PRE CONSULTATION ....
In the meantime however the working group would welcome any initial thoughts on NINFY, and in particular:
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What is your vision of an ideal NINFY? |
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What sort of values and principles should NINFY adopt? |
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What functions should NINFY cover? |
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How would NINFY link with existing participative structures for children and young people? |
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Are there any existing models in the UK or internationally that would be relevant to this initiative? |
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What are the barriers that would stop NINFY from being effective? |
If you would like to comment on these questions or any other relevant issues, please e-mail info@ycni.org
Alternatively, comments can be posted to:
NINFY Working Group Secretariat
Youth Council for Northern Ireland
Forestview,
Purdy’s Lane
Belfast BT8 7AR
All comments will be welcomed until Friday 14th September. Earlier responses would be appreciated, to allow more time for all responses to be fully considered.
If you wish to contact the Secretariat of the Working Group for more details, please telephone the Youth Council for Northern Ireland at 02890.643882; Textphone 02890.644801 |
