Horizons

Young people will have the opportunity to develop strong relationships within their local group, developing a sense of belonging within the Horizons programme. The programme will help the young people develop skills such as leadership, communication, problem solving, self-awareness and teamwork. This will be done through team challenges, opportunities to lead the group, life mapping and journaling. The programme will also explore the current issues that the young people face within their communities from a strength-based approach, promoting a social action mindset for module two.

Key themes:

1. Leadership – Exploring and developing leadership within the group and developing skills through individual leadership tasks, with opportunities to take the lead.
2. Teamwork – Building teamwork skills such as communication and problem solving, whilst developing relationships with peers and staff which support positive group dynamics.
3. Community – Developing a greater understanding of their own network and others to give them a greater sense of belonging within their own community. Recognising the positive contributions, they can make as young leaders.

Key learning outcomes:

• Young people will have an increased understanding of the Horizons Programme.
• Young people work together to creating positive group dynamics.
• Young people feel part of something (belonging) and will develop positive peer relationships.
• Young people develop a greater sense of self and others.
• Young people build teamwork skills and each other’s strengths.
• Young people will have a greater understanding of leadership.
• Young people to have increased confidence sharing with the group.
• Young people will understand how to set and breakdown their goals (Goal Setting)
• Young people will have increased their presentation skills.
• Young people will have increased confidence in their own creativity.
• Young people will have a greater understanding of their own network within their community.
• Young people will have a greater understanding of others.
• Young people developed positive peer relationships.

The Social Action project is a model of working together to create positive change.  We encourage the Horizons young people within their locality to plan and create visual projects that will showcase their talents, develop confidence and self-esteem, learn new skills, and support intergenerational projects.

 The purpose of the Horizons Social Action project is to enable young people to feel empowered whilst creating positive change in their communities; to know that their passions can be realised, and that their contributions are valued.  The experience of designing, developing, and delivering social action projects will enable the young people to know that they are, and can continue to make a practical and impactful difference in matters of interest and importance. 

The aim is to deliver a Social Action Project within the local community measuring individual and community impact. The Young people will deliver a Social Action Project that makes a positive contribution to society and their community will experience economic and environmental wellbeing.

Key themes:

1. Understanding my community- Exploring the community looking possible opportunities for improvement
2. Generosity – Enhancing leadership capacity through planning and delivering a social impact programme within the local community. The giving of one’s time.
3. Self-reflection- measuring the impact that the project has had within the community

Key learning outcomes:

• Community connection – increased understanding of your community
• Identifying local needs – increased empathy of others through development of community impact assessment
• Exploring civic responsibility – increased knowledge
• Enhancing the voices of young people within the community – developing effective advocacy skills
• Development of personal skills and capabilities – planning, delivery, and evaluation of social action programme
• Increased visibility and recognition of the positive contribution of young people within the community – through celebration events.

The Education Authority Youth Service recognises that effective youth work contributes to each young person achieving his or her potential at every stage of their development.

A key target within the Regional Development Plan is that of Closing the Performance Gap in learning and achieving, through the provision of accredited training for children and young people.

Through the Horizons Leadership programme participants are given access to accredited programmes in leadership and community development. All courses require that the young person is fourteen years of age on completion of the course.

As part of a group the young people select an accredited course based upon their needs.  The course is delivered through informal youth work methodologies and young people develop an individual portfolio to help evidence achievement of the course objectives and learning outcomes, based upon the assessment criteria outlined.

Themes Include:

• Leadership skills development
• Sports Leadership
• Peer Mentoring
• Diversity and Good Relations

Key Learning Outcomes

• Young people see education as fun, relevant, beneficial, and achievable.
• Development of a range of skills, knowledge and understanding which benefit both the individual and own community
• Enhanced employment pathways to further education, training, and employment opportunities
• Increased awareness of the impact of youth community engagement in response to the voice of children and young people.

The Social Enterprise project is a model of working together to create a business that creates a positive change in local communities. We encourage the Horizons young people within their locality to plan, advertise, create, and sell a product or service that will showcase their talents, develop confidence and self-esteem, learn new skills, and support the local community.

Throughout this project young people will try out ‘roles’ within businesses and hear from exciting career opportunities and will be showcased non-traditional pathways and support to employment. At the end of the programme, young people will participate in regional marketplace and dragons’ den, along with local social enterprises and small businesses.

Aims

To create a social enterprise within the local and regional community measuring individual and community impact. The young people will deliver a Social Enterprise idea that makes a positive contribution to society and that supports community environmental wellbeing. 

Themes:

1. Understanding business- Exploring the community looking possible opportunities to set up a local business that gives back to their communities.
2. Generosity – Enhancing leadership capacity through planning and delivering a Social Enterprise Programme that positively impacts their own community.
3. Self-reflection- measuring the impact that the project has had on the young person and the community.

Key learning outcomes:

• Community connection – increased understanding of your community
• Identifying local needs – increased empathy of others through development of community impact assessment
• Increased knowledge of civic responsibility
• Enhancing the voices of young people within the community – developing effective advocacy skills
• Development of personal skills and capabilities – planning, delivery, and evaluation of social enterprise programme
• Increased visibility and recognition of the positive contribution of young people within the community
• Increased business skills

The module of the programme supports young people to further enhance their personal and social development. This module will also include an International Leadership Experience.

Themes

• Recognition of achievements through the Horizons programme
• Social Enterprise project
• Accreditation
• Vocational training
• Improved community connection

Key Learning Outcomes

• An opportunity to complete vocational training in an area relevant to their future chosen career pathway.
• Young people will complete 1-2 vocational training courses.
• Participants will support the planning and delivery of a regional celebration event in recognition of the learning and achievements gained through the Horizons programme.
• A showcase of projects completed, and outcomes gained.
• Sharing of individual and group learning, progression and impact within own community.