Explore background and programme dates for 2010
Explore is the annual international leadership programme of the Spirit of Enniskillen Trust helping young people make their own contribution towards dialogue and constructive change.
Each year the Trust supports fifty young participants, aged 16 to 19, to develop their leadership and dialogue potential through travelling to other countries where they engage with others who are also facing differences or conflict.
Learning and development on each programme is supported throughout by a team of ten young coordinator/leaders who are all themselve experienced past-participants of Explore.
As well as having time for enjoyment and fun, those involved learn from key discussions on the issues that they select as important in their own lives. In doing this they are also developed in the capacity to open up similar dialogue and learning with others.
This programme is a formative experience at a formative time in the lives of participants, assisting them in their transition to independence and maturity and supporting them into full, active and positive roles within their local and wider communities.
On finishing, participants are expected to reflect on their experiences and ( particularly through the Future Voices and Together programmes ) use their new capacity to promote a culture of dialogue and learning between all social, cultural and religious traditions. The contribution of young people from all backgrounds and traditions is therefore greatly valued.
The programme starts in February and finishes in October; including 10 preparation and evaluation days in Northern Ireland ( weekends ) as well as a two-week overseas project in July. Explore is fully accredited for all participants and coordinators through the Open College Network NI and it is expected that applicants are fully committed to attending all learning sessions and events without exception.
Project groups
Whilst applications are made by individuals, the overseas visits are undertaken in project groups containing ten young people and two co-ordinators who facilitate the learning process. As much as is possible, each project group will be made up to represent a balance of backgrounds, traditions and interests in Northern Ireland. To enable and ensure this balance, the applications of those coming from marginalised and disadvantaged backgrounds will be particularly welcomed.
Financial contribution
Participants will personally provide a minimum of £300 as a contribution to the overall costs. It is expected that all participants will work to raise as much as they possibly can beyond this amount to offset the outlay of overseas flights and other areas of expenditure.
Application process
All applications will be considered and short-listed accordingly. Final selection of applicants will be carried out on Saturday 20 February 2010 through an informal and supportive discussion with experienced past-participants. Membership of the five project groupings will then be selected.
2010 Explore programme dates
It is fully expected that those applying will be available to commit fully for all dates below to maintain continuity of the learning experience.
Saturday 20 February Gordon Wilson Centre
Selection meeting 97 Malone Avenue, Belfast
Saturday 10 April The Volunteer Centre
Induction day 34 Shaftesbury Square, Belfast
Friday 30 April to Sunday 2 May Share Centre
Planning residential Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh
Saturday 12 June The Volunteer Centre
Final preparation day 34 Shaftesbury Square, Belfast
Thursday evening 17 June Malone Lodge Hotel
Reception for parents Eglantine Avenue, Belfast
June - July Participants must be available from
2 week project overseas the end of the last week in June to
start of the first week in August
Saturday 4 September The Volunteer Centre
Review day 34 Shaftesbury Square, Belfast
Friday to Sunday 1 - 3 October Share Centre
Final evaluation residential Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh