International Fund for Ireland (IFI) delegates visited Tullyarvan Mill in Inishowen on Friday as guests of Inishowen Development Partnership (IDP), at the official launch of the C.H.A.N.C.E project.

The C.H.A.N.C.E project is a targeted youth development programme that will provide personal one-to-one support for young people from Inishowen who are not currently in employment, education or training and who want to explore the different options that might be open to them in life.  The project will support young people to develop key skills that will help them to achieve their full development potential, which is captured in the projects name, ‘C.H.A.N.C.E’, which stands for ‘Creating Hope and Aspirations, Nurturing Change and Empowerment.’  The project is funded by the IFI’s Personal Youth Development Programme.

Speaking at the launch of the event, Helen Nolan, Chairperson of IDP said, ‘it’s always a privilege to have the opportunity to welcome international visitors to Inishowen and to showcase the many achievements of our great community. We were delighted to host international delegates from the IFI at Tullyarvan Mill and to have the opportunity to speak to them about our development work and the positive impact of the C.H.A.N.C.E project on the lives of young people from Inishowen.’

The Chairperson of the International Fund for Ireland, Paddy Harte, officially launched the C.H.A.N.C.E project and speaking at the event said, ‘Inishowen Development Partnership is an important partner of the IFI and has been for many years. Based on IDP’s achievements as part of the first two phases of the C.H.A.N.C.E project, we are delighted to have committed further funding to the project in 2022, bringing our total commitment to date to €345,968. This commitment clearly recognises the work and dedication of IDPs Board and staff and their ongoing contribution to peace development work in the Inishowen peninsula and beyond.  

Our hope is that through projects like C.H.A.N.C.E, that a new generation of young people, through their skills, abilities and talent, can realise their personal potential while contributing to the ongoing peace building work supported by the International Fund for Ireland within communities.  I would like to say a special word of thanks to acknowledge the generous support of our international partners, because without your ongoing support and commitment to the Peace Process, projects like C.H.A.N.C.E, would not be possible.’

Shauna McClenaghan, Joint CEO of IDP highlighted the achievements of the C.H.A.N.C.E project and the benefits to young people that have already participated on the programme, ‘the project supports young people who, for one reason or another, may not have had an opportunity in life, so far, to achieve their full potential, to develop new skills, to find a full time or part-time job, to progress in education or simply to explore the different options available to them in life. The programme is understanding, supportive and we have designed the project to respond to the specific needs of each young person taking part.’

The C.H.A.N.C.E project is being led by Patricia Lee and Eileen Hegarty at IDP and is open to young people from across the peninsula. The project includes a wide range of personal advice, mentoring, training, work-experience, team building, personal development activities and other supports that are designed to meet each person’s individual needs. To find out further information about the C.H.A.N.C.E project, please contact Eileen Hegarty at Inishowen Development Partnership’s offices in Buncrana by phoning 07493 62218 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.