Georgia-May's Story

By former student Georgia-May Staunton

Youthreach North Great George’s street was the stepping stone I needed in order to get my life back on track and get to where I want to be.

I had come for an initial meeting all the way back in March 2022 and as amazing as it all seemed I knew I wasn’t ready just yet to start that next chapter of next my life.  From day one Ger the coordinator kept in touch with me and my mum. He assured me that whenever I was happy to start the program they were happy to have me.

It wasn’t until a whole 9 months later that I took the leap and began one of the best years of my life. Youthreach is unlike regular school.

The educational approach is far from a stereotypical secondary school.

There’s no homework or extreme pressure. You do it at your own pace, something that put my mind at ease knowing.

The teachers treat you as the individual you are and there’s far more of a bond between the staff and students. A lot of the young people have been through similar experiences, which is comforting, because there are others around you that understand you.

However, the main difference I found was the environment. It always felt comfortable, the staff take into account your own personal circumstances and they put you and your mental health ahead of books and learning. This was something I really needed.

From September 2023 to summer 2024 I completed my QQI level 4 here at Youth Reach. I finished

the 2 year course in one year , thanks to the support and encouragement from those around me. I achieved Distinctions in every subject and landed myself a place in my PLC in Ballsbridge College studying ‘Criminology, Law and Social Studies’.

Although at times it was tough, and I felt like taking a step back, the encouragement from the staff made me realize how much I can accomplish once I put my mind to it.

I never once felt like I HAD to do this or I HAD to do that. It’s easy going, it’s fun and a great environment for any young person to be in.

I was awarded student of the month in October 2023 and it made me so happy to know that people were noticing the hard work I was putting in.

I was also given amazing opportunities throughout my time in youth reach including being presented with the ‘Lord Mayor’s Award’.

This achievement wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for Youthreach NGGS. The day as a whole was one I won’t forget, with an award ceremony in the Mansion House for other students who received the award and the award itself being presented by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithí de Róiste, it felt surreal and still at times feels surreal even now.

The diversity in the center was something I’d never experienced before. Youthreach NGGS have students attending from all over the world, from inner city Dublin to Afghanistan. And everyone felt included and appreciated, no matter their ethnicity, background, religion, sexuality, gender or upbringing.

There’s plenty of ways to stay motivated to just get in and get the head down. The weekly allowances are a great incentive to get students in the door and working hard, it helped motivate everyone. The Student of the month award also pushed people to work hard and remain focused.

There was a combination of learning and fun, with creative projects and day trips out being a norm.

Seeing musicals in the bord gais theatre, going on hikes in the Wicklow mountains, going ice skating at Christmas time, visits to exhibitions and museums, having speakers into the centre from all over the maps that taught us all sorts of things. With the centre being located so centrally in the city my friends and I always found new places to go for coffee or explore on our lunch break.

We learnt all sorts of life skills that had nothing to do with books. Practical sessions in the kitchen, going from the basics to the more complex and exotic dishes. It allowed everyone to get involved and learn new things to take with them.

The experiences I had at Youthreach NGGS are ones I will never forget. I’d always felt passionate about learning, however I’m more determined than ever to push myself to achieve my goals and pursue my dreams.

I really can't recommend Youthreach NGGS  enough and I can’t put into words just how grateful I am for the support I received from the staff. I’ve grown as a person and have developed as an individual. I’ve not only learnt academically but I’ve learnt a lot about myself. I’ve gained qualifications, new skills and friendships I’ll have for years to come.

I will be forever appreciative and thankful for my time at Youthreach. To anyone thinking of applying I say, go for it, you really won’t regret it!

Georgia-May Staunton