Youth group builds dome in record time

Atlantic Technological University’s Access and Widening Participation Service hosted Foróige’s Roma UBU Youth Project from County Roscommon at its ATU Sligo campus recently.

The group was ably led by their youth worker Karen Delaney, ATU Alumni. Karen studied Social Care Practice at ATU Sligo and has been involved with Foróige for several years.

Warmly welcomed at ATU Sligo Knocknarea Arena, the group subsequently moved on to ATU MakerSpace, where they constructed an impressive dome in record time. The workshop was facilitated by MakerSpace’s Hassan Dabbagh.

ATU MakerSpace, which is funded by the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 3, is a pioneering initiative that fosters technology and creativity within ATU and beyond, inspiring the next generation of students to embrace STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) as dynamic educational pathways and career opportunities.

“The experience in ATU Sligo sports facilities was amazing,” said Daniel Mato, Foróige member. “We toured the engineering block, had lunch, and then made a dome with MakerSpace. It was an amazing day for us.”

This was a sentiment also expressed by Karen Delaney, Youth Worker. “The young people really enjoyed the workshop with MakerSpace. The facilitator was excellent and had great engagement with the young people. This is our second visit to ATU Sligo.

“Both visits have been well organised and showcased the many options for young people from Performing Arts to engineering and apprenticeships, forensic science and sports, which is always a firm favourite with the group.”

The group’s first visit to ATU Sligo took place in October 2024, when they had a wonderful tour and talk with Ciarán McCauley, Programme Chair of Performing Arts, before hearing about entry routes into ATU and student supports. The group finished that day with a soccer game at ATU Sligo Knocknarea Arena.

The Roma UBU Youth Project is a Foróige operated targeted youth service and is based in Ballaghaderreen and Roscommon town for Roma young people aged 10-24 years.

Karen Delaney offered further insights into Foróige’s work and recent campus visits. “This is a dynamic and flexible service that works to meet the ever-changing needs of young people, particularly those most at risk of not meeting their fullest potential. This is achieved through programmes that build confidence, creativity, resilience, relationships, life skills and a sense of belonging, in partnership with young people and their communities.

“It has been a great experience coming back to ATU Sligo with this group of young people. Visits like these offer these young people an experience into college life, the various courses available to them, information about the pathways into college, a familiarity with the campus, classrooms, lecture halls and interacting with the lecturers.

“Many of these young people previously said that they would not go to college, but after these visits to the campus, their opinions have changed, and they now want to go to college as they see the many benefits of going onto third-level education.”

As for Karen, she said she thoroughly enjoyed her student days studying at ATU Sligo. “My time here had a positive impact on my personal and professional development. The lecturers were very supportive, and their doors were always open.

“The Social Care Practice course had real-world learning and prepared me for entering the professional world by building my confidence, broadening my skills and knowledge and encouraging me to trust my own abilities. Studying at ATU Sligo encouraged me to trust my own abilities, broadened my skills and knowledge, and built my confidence,” she added.

For further details, go to:

www.atu.ie/student-life/student-support/access-and-widening-participation