Accredited youth work training is ‘invaluable’
For the last six Wednesday evenings the team at DDYC has been busy running OCN Youth Work Level 2 in Church House.
The curriculum covers topics such as managing challenging behaviour, planning and organising sessions in a youth group, group work, the basic youth work curriculum and understanding your role as a youth worker.
The class of nine, which includes youth workers and volunteers, is enthusiastic about the course which requires a twelve–week commitment from January to April.
Rachel Irish–Colligan, Community Outreach Worker in Mount Merrion Church says:
“I have loved the course so far and it has really encouraged me that the work of a youth worker is so important in making a real difference to young people’s lives. Hearing each other’s stories about why we are all here proves the point. The way the course is delivered by Tim and the team is brilliant. There’s lots of time to talk things over as groups and to see and hear the different views and insights. I love the course material and the gleaning of personal experience from the leaders and other group members is invaluable.”
‘An absolute must’
Andrew Watson, Youth Worker at Ballyholme Parish Church, has been pleasantly surprised by his experience:
“Having already worked as a youth worker for 18 months, and with years of experience volunteering before that, I didn’t think I would learn a whole lot on the OCN course. Thankfully, though, I was wrong! Every week I leave with a deeper understanding of things like inclusion, safeguarding, participation and even the very purposes of youth work. For anyone involved in youth work or youth ministry this course is an absolute must. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a whole lot along the way!”
This is the second intake for Level 2 and from next week the team will also deliver OCN Youth Work Level 3.
The OCN accredited courses are another element in the diocesan strategy of developing and up–skilling new leaders.
Find out more by contacting tim@downanddromore.org
Back row: Tim (Diocesan Youth Officer), Sarah (Logic, Moira), Adam (Kilbroney Intern), Jack (Holy Trinity Ballylesson). Front row: Rachel (Mount Merrion) Rachel (Kilbroney Intern), Mark (Bangor Parish), Daniel (Youth for Christ), Andrew (Ballyholme).