The new European Union Youth Programme replaces the former Youth for Europe programme. It has been designed to run for the 7 years to 31 December 2006. The programme's start was delayed but most parts of the programme are operational.

• To acquire knowledge and skills and recognise their value.
• To become more integrated into society.
• To give greater opportunities, especially for those living in difficult circumstances or with some form of disability.
• To work to eliminate all forms of discrimination.
• To give free expression to their sense of solidarity in Europe and the wider world.
• To play an active part in the construction of Europe and promote better understanding of the diversity of European culture.

The programme is divided into 5 sections:

Action 1: Youth for Europe group exchanges

Action 2 : European Voluntary Service

Action 3 : Youth Initiatives

Action 4 : Joint activities across the Programme

Action 5 : Support Measures.

The European Commission is ultimately responsible for the programme. In each Member State a National Agency acts as the link between the European Commission and supports projects at national, regional and local level. In the UK the National Agency is Connect Youth.

The work of Connect Youth is divided up into 12 regions. The work of Connect Youth in Northern Ireland is undertaken by the International Committee of the Youth Council for NI. The Committee is particularly concerned with the awarding of financial grants to enable young people to take part in youth exchange activities.

Grants for non-curriculum youth exchange projects (Action 1).

Opportunities to send individual young people to work as volunteers in other European countries or to host young volunteers from abroad (Action 2).

Grants for small projects which are devised, managed and operated by young people aged between 15 and 25 (Action 3).

Opportunities to take part in or host projects which will develop co-operation and partnership between European partners and strengthen the other four Actions (Action 5).

Under the new programme, very strict deadlines for applications have been drawn up which are common to all parts of the European Union. The dates are based on when the projects will take place and are as follows:

For more information on any aspect of the Youth Programme, you can contact:

Bernice Sweeney or Mandy Cunningham
Youth Council for Northern Ireland
Forestview, Purdy's Lane
Belfast
BT8 7R

Tel: 028.9064.3882
Fax: 028.9064.3874
Email: bsweeney@youthcouncil-ni.org.uk
mcunningham@youthcouncil-ni.org.uk

Information Kits and Application Forms can be downloaded (in Word 97 format) from:
www.connectyouthinternational.com