Derry's Horizons groups mark incredible 18-month leadership journey

The Education Authority (EA) Horizons Youth Leadership Programme recently held a graduation ceremony for more than 200 young people from Northern Ireland, including the Foyleside & Moor and Waterside groups.

After an 18-month journey, the participants were awarded certificates at Titanic Belfast on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, in recognition of their commitment, growth, and achievements.

Waterside: Back row (left to right): Michelle Reid, A J Casey, Grace Finlay, Cerys Hamilton, Faye Kilgore, Katie Kirkwood, Ruairi McLaughlin, Torrie Canning, Julie Humphries and Donna Traynor. Front row (left to right): Eva Mullin, Alana Ponsonby and Paige Taylor.

Funded through the Fair Start Programme and delivered in partnership between statutory, community, and voluntary youth organisations, Horizons gives young people aged 15–17 the chance to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and make a difference in their communities.

The initiative is aimed at young people who may face educational or social barriers the chance to develop skills that they may not otherwise access.

And the results speak for themselves:

• 11,148 volunteer hours invested, worth almost £150,000
• £6,000 raised through social enterprise projects for local charities
• 21 social action projects delivered in towns and cities across NI
• £3,500 raised to support causes chosen by young people
• 672 qualifications earned, including leadership and vocational awards
• Over the past 18 months, participants have explored themes of belonging, social action, and enterprise, while also gaining life-changing experiences through camps, international exchanges, and accredited training.

Richard Pengelly, Chief Executive of the Education Authority, said: "Horizons has given these young people the tools to lead, the confidence to speak up, and the drive to make change happen.

“The scale of their contribution is outstanding; they are role models for their peers and ambassadors for the power of youth voice."

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Ben Casey, who graduated from the programme and was part of the Lurgan Horizons Group, said: “I’ve grown in confidence and communication through the social enterprise module and I’ve picked up some real sales skills too!

“My favourite part of the programme was going to Annecy and hosting the talent show was a big moment for me – I’d never have had the confidence to do that before Horizons. What’s next? I’m hoping to get into the Ambassadors programme so I can give back to the next generation of Horizons participants.”