Building Skills, Confidence, and Pathways for the Future
Our Training and Awards programme supports young people to grow as leaders, develop essential life skills, and gain recognised qualifications that strengthen their confidence and future opportunities. We work with diverse groups of young people across Belfast and Northern Ireland, with a special focus on newcomer, asylum seeker, and minority ethnic communities who often face barriers to accessing these opportunities.
Through hands-on workshops, accredited learning, and award pathways, we help young people discover their strengths, set goals, and build a positive foundation for their future education, employment, and civic participation.
What the Programme Includes
Leadership and Personal Development Training
Young people take part in structured sessions that cover:
- Teamwork and communication
- Public speaking and confidence building
- Problem solving and decision making
- Project planning and social action
- Civic engagement and youth advocacy
These sessions are practical, interactive, and delivered by trained facilitators who create a safe and encouraging environment.
Accredited Awards and Certificates
We offer opportunities for young people to complete recognised awards that strengthen their personal development journeys. These include:
- The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (Bronze, Silver, and Gold pathways)
- Introduction to Leadership certificates
- Wellbeing, First Aid, and safeguarding workshops
- Digital media and creative skills sessions
Our team supports young people through each step, from registration to completion, ensuring the awards are accessible regardless of background or circumstance.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Diverse Youth NI
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a powerful addition to our youth programmes. It helps young people build resilience, independence, and leadership skills through four key areas:
- Volunteering:Giving back to communities
- Skills:Learning something new or developing a talent
- Physical Activity:Encouraging wellbeing and healthy routines
- Expedition:A challenging journey that builds teamwork and confidence
We provide guidance, training, and practical support so young people from all backgrounds can participate fully. For many, this is their first experience gaining a formal award in Northern Ireland.
Community Facilitator Training
Through our PeacePlus Community Connections project, young people can progress into advanced training that prepares them to become Community Facilitators. This equips them with skills in:
- Group facilitation
- Conflict resolution
- Cultural competence
- Youth mentoring
Graduates often go on to support workshops, events, and community dialogue sessions.
Why It Matters
Training and Awards give young people more than certificates. They help them:
- Build confidence and leadership
- Strengthen their CVs and university applications
- Develop transferable skills
- Connect with peers from different backgrounds
- Feel proud of their achievements
- Access new pathways for future opportunities
For many of the young people we work with, these awards are life changing.
Who Can Join
The programme is open to young people aged 11 to 25, especially those from:
- Refugee and asylum seeker communities
- Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds
- Families experiencing social or financial barriers
- Any young person seeking leadership pathways and personal development
All training is free, inclusive, and tailored to the needs of participants.
How to Get Involved
Young people, parents, schools, and youth organisations can contact us to learn more about upcoming training sessions or award pathways. We also welcome partnerships with groups who want to expand access to accredited youth development programmes.
- info@diverseyouthni.com
- @diverseyouthni