The Conference

The Albert Schweitzer Leadership for Life Conference is held annually and is now one of the highlights of the Foróige calendar. The conference involves 250 young people aged 15-18.  Foróige members attend with young people from U.S.A., U.K., Nigeria, Korea, Palestine, India and Russia. There are three levels of participation – module 1, module 2 and advanced leadership. The conference is held over 5 days and includes workshops, inspirational guest speakers and lots of extracurricular activities such as sports evenings, quiz night, cultural talent show etc. Previous guest speakers at the conference have included, Caroline Casey, Dylan Haskins, Dr Lynne Holden, Jacqueline Murekatete, Padraig O Ceidigh, Lionel Alexander, Dr. Janet Gray, Liam McKenna, Séan Gallagher, Joanne O'Riordan and Cecilia Retelle. These speakers tell their personal leadership journey and inspire the young people to achieve their goals.

The Programme

The programme uses group work and individual reflection as well as practical projects to develop and expand leadership skills. Young people learn to look beyond themselves, at their communities and wider society when setting their leadership goals. Throughout the course of the programme, young people learn the core concepts of leadership and gain skills such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, critical thinking, self awareness etc.