Oíche na hÓige: A night to celebrate and amplify the call for youth work for all

Donegal Youth Service proudly took part in the national celebration of Oíche na hÓige, joining Youth Work Ireland and youth services across the country for an evening dedicated to recognising the transformative impact of youth work in Ireland.

Oíche na hÓige, a new initiative from the Department of Education and Youth, was created to honour the creativity, connection, and confidence that youth work brings to young people and communities nationwide.

READ NEXT: Donegal ATU to benefit from €10.5 million funding allocation

Across Donegal, ASPIRE Donegal, ASPIRE Inishowen and member Youth Clubs Convoy Youth Club, Creeslough Youth Club, Ceolan School of Music, Dunfanaghy Youth Club, Youthland Bundoran Youth Club, Planet Youth Ballybofey and Moyne Ulster Scots Youth Club hosted a series of engaging local events, which included art activities, live music sessions, and shared food, creating a warm, inclusive atmosphere where young people could connect and celebrate together. Youth Clubs also delivered youth-led activities in their local spaces, ensuring that young people from various communities had the opportunity to participate in the celebration.

The night also shone a spotlight on the Youth Work for All campaign, which advocates for youth work as a right and a vital support system that helps young people navigate challenges, build confidence, and find a sense of belonging. The campaign reinforces that all young people - regardless of where they live or who they are - deserve access to quality youth services within their communities.

“Absolutely brilliant- we had so much fun. A great initiative to celebrate the young people. We had a large number of the community who attended and previously didn't realise the work that we do! It was very positive feedback” said one participating Club Volunteer 

Donegal Youth Service joined the Department of Education and Youth and national partners in calling for ongoing and increased support and investment in youth work infrastructure. As communities continue to recover from social and economic pressures, youth work remains a cornerstone of resilience, inclusion, and participation—especially for young people most at risk of exclusion.