ECO-UNESCO’s work with a group of young people (15-18yrs) from Ballymun Regional Youth Resource Centre (BRYR), who have been taking part in the ECO-Youth Choices drug prevention programme since April, hit its peak this weekend as they competed a very successful cross-generational garden action project.

The group linked in with a housing area for older persons in September to build relations between older and younger people; and do some gardening and window cleaning for the locals. The day went extremely well – windows were sparkling, weeds were cleared, baskets were hung, plants were planted and old and young were smiling from ear to ear. The group were kept in tea, biscuits and fruit as they worked away at cleaning up the area that had been lacking attention for quite some time. The residents were extremely thankful and talked of their previous bad experiences of young people in the area and their delight at having young people there to brighten up the area and offer a hand. Such a great day was had that they are hoping to make this a more regular event.