Japanese delegates visit Community House

A study group from Japan has paid an important visit to Belfast.

Led by Professor Takashi Miyazaki, Dean of the Department of Education at the University of Hokkaido, the study group came to Ireland to research interventions aimed at increasing social inclusion in disadvantaged and socially excluded young people.

Hosted by the Building Change Trust, the delegation looked at youth marginalisation and exclusion, the impact of inequality on young people, opportunities for personal development and movement into employment and adulthood. 

Charlie Fisher, Building Change Co-ordinator for the Building Change Trust, facilitated the visit to inform the group’s research, which has been backed by the Japanese government.

He said; “Youth disengagement is an enormous problem in Japan and we were all keen to share learning and understanding of how perceptions of self and of youth peer group and community are critical in supporting young people’s integration into adult society.

“Professor Takashi’s study group saw local examples of youth development, functioning as part of a multi-stakeholder process.

“Life opportunities for young people are profoundly shaped by social experience, particularly experience learned in fragmented communities and we hope the team from Japan were enlightened by the visit.”

During their visit, the Japanese delegation met with Denis Palmer of YouthNet, Vernon Ringland coordinator of YouthBank at the Community Foundation, Vivian McConvey of VOYPIC (the Voice of Young People in Care) and Mary Ryan of MACS and (Mulholland Aftercare Services).