Andrew Carey
andrew@limerickpost.ie
LIMERICK Youth Service attracted the interests of the Afghani police this week when a delegation travelled from the Middle Eastern Country to learn more about Community Policing in a western European nation and in particular Garda Youth Diversion Projects.
The delegation, led by General Hekmatshabi Rasooli, the most senior female police officer in Afghanistan, spent time in Limerick Youth Service’s Irishtown Garda Youth Diversion Project and The Factory, Southside Youth Space this week.
“They’ve been to Turkey to see how community policing works in a Muslim county and are in Ireland to see it run in a western nation,” explained Simon O’Connor, EUPOL.
Ronan O’Connor, LYS, explained the role of the Irishtown Garda Youth Diversion Project from the initial referral process to the diverse range of programmes available.
“Our aim is to divert young people away from anti-social behaviour and support them in becoming active citizens in their communities,” said Mr O’Connor, adding that “We achieve this through engaging with young people through social and civic programmes including a Junior Leadership Training course.”
The Afghani contingent spent time with local young people and volunteers who shared their experiences with the LYS now in its 40th year.
