Charles and Camilla hear about vital role of youth work in Northern Ireland

As part of their two-day tour of Northern Ireland, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall met with youth workers to hear from young people who have been supported by youth services.

The Prince and Duchess visited Belfast City Hall before speaking with youth services at the Education Authority’s headquarters nearby. The Authority is responsible for ensuring efficient and effective services for both primary and secondary education as well as providing support for the provision of those youth services. Using display boards as visual aids, two young people offered personal testimonies on their experiences and the impact youth services have had on their lives.

“We must never underestimate the risk – and of course the cost – of holding to peaceful ways, and how much determination and courage is actually necessary. All of you whom I have met here today, and many more of your colleagues in your communities, have shown those qualities in the most challenging circumstances,” said the Prince. “We owe you therefore, I think a deep debt of gratitude and above all of admiration.

“Whenever I visit this part of the world, I never cease to be profoundly moved by the work that is being done to heal the pain of the past, to bring understanding and reconciliation in the present, and to build hope for the future.“

Their Royal Highnesses then joined in on a seated conversation led by the Assistant Director for Youth Services, Arlene Kee. Together, they discussed the role of youth workers and their contribution to the community and keeping young people safe.

This latest trip, which started on May 18th 2021, marks the couple’s 18th visit to Northern Ireland and their first since September last year when they visited the Ulster Museum and met with medical staff involved with tackling the pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, the couple were also frequent visitors to the Republic of Ireland.