McDonald’s in Kerry is supporting the local Kerry Diocesan Youth Service (KDYS) in Killarney and Tralee as part of a nationwide skills and employment initiative.

In partnership with the Irish Youth Foundation, McDonald’s Youth Opportunity Ireland programme, which was launched earlier this year, is providing €200,000 to youth organisations across Ireland. The programme will enable these groups to deliver specialised training and mentorship opportunities for 2,000 young people by 2023.

The community-focused McDonald’s Youth Opportunity Ireland programme is supporting young people between the ages of 15 and 24 nationally, who are experiencing disadvantage and aims to empower them with the skills, training and mentorship they need to access the employment market.

In the first year of the programme, the funding will enable 13 grassroots youth organisations across Ireland to deliver targeted youth employability programmes. Kerry Diocesan Youth Service was selected to receive funding in the programme’s first year.

Kerry Diocesan Youth Service works directly with young people in Kerry who are not currently in education, employment or training to provide through its unique RICE Programme, using informal educational methodologies, that has the primary objective of assisting young people aged 17 to 20 to develop four, essential life-skills: Resilience, Independence, Communication and Employability related qualities.

“At Kerry Diocesan Youth Service we work closely with the young people in Killarney and Tralee to give them the support and training they need to enter the jobs market," Gareth Hartveld from Kerry Diocesan Youth Service said.

"The funding we have received from the McDonalds Youth Opportunity Programme is crucial, as it enables us to reach more young people in our community.”

Martin Hoban, McDonald’s Kerry Franchisee, added that “McDonald’s is passionate about providing training and development opportunities to its people".

"That is why we have established the McDonald’s Youth Opportunity Ireland programme with the Irish Youth Foundation. Kerry Diocesan Youth Service does exceptional work with young people throughout Kerry and I have seen first-hand the impact that this has had. McDonald’s is delighted to be supporting them.”