Cloyne Diocesan Youth Services (CDYS)

Subject: Erasmus+ Youth Exchange Partnership Opportunity (Summer 2026) My name is Christy O’Neill, and I am the Project Coordinator with Cloyne Diocesan Youth Services (CDYS) in Mitchelstown, Co. Cork, Ireland.. We are a pre-accredited Erasmus+ organisation (KA151), which means we can deliver youth exchanges without the need for a new application process. This allows us to move forward efficiently and with secured programme support. We are currently seeking a partner organisation to host us this summer, with a preference for the last week in July, for an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange. Project Overview – Young People Shaping Their Communities Young People Shaping Their Communities is a youth-led Erasmus+ exchange bringing together young people to explore how volunteering, active citizenship, and youth participation shape everyday life within their communities. In Ireland, community life is strongly driven by volunteers through sports clubs, youth organisations, charity initiatives, and local community groups. Through this project, young people will explore and compare how civic life operates in different countries, identifying shared values and learning from each other’s approaches. The exchange will include: • Experiential workshops and group activities • Community-based learning and informal interviews • Cultural exchange and creative expression • Collaborative development of a Youth Participation Charter • Follow-up actions in participants’ home communities The project aims to: • Strengthen confidence and leadership in young people • Promote intercultural understanding • Encourage active citizenship and volunteering • Build a sustainable, long-term partnership between organisations About Our Group We are planning to travel with: • 16–18 young people (aged 13–17) • 4 experienced youth workers Our young people are: • Friendly, open, and highly engaged • Passionate about creativity and the arts • Interested in photography, video-making, storytelling, and poetry We place a strong emphasis on youth-led participation, inclusion, and meaningful engagement in all of our programmes. What We Are Looking For We are hoping to partner with an organisation that can: • Host the exchange (accommodation and local coordination) • Work collaboratively with us on programme delivery • Engage a similar group of young people We are very open to a shared approach, including: • Co-facilitating workshops and activities • Collaborating on programme design • Jointly delivering cultural and creative sessions If suitable, we would also be happy to welcome your group to Ireland in the future as part of a continued partnership. Additional Information • Duration: 7–8 days • Timing: Last week of July (preferred) • Group size: Approx. 18 participants + 4 leaders from Ireland • Approach: Collaborative, youth-led, experiential learning If your organisation would be interested in exploring this opportunity, I would be delighted to connect and discuss further. We are happy to share additional documentation, including programme outlines, safeguarding policies, and partnership details. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards, Christy O’Neill Project Coordinator Cloyne Diocesan Youth Services (CDYS)