DkIT-led H2O Heroes celebrates United Youth Initiative milestone as 5,000 young people take part
PEACEPLUS-funded cross-border initiative brings young people together through sport, shared experiences and environmental education
The United Youth Initiative (UYI) has reached a major milestone, with 5,000 young people taking part across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.Supported through PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), the United Youth Initiative is delivered by a partnership involving Healthy Kidz, PeacePlayers Northern Ireland, Boys & Girls Clubs Northern Ireland and H2O Heroes at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT).
H2O Heroes, based within the Centre for Freshwater and Environmental Studies (CFES) at DkIT, connects young people with the science of water, biodiversity and sustainability. Co-founded by Dr Caroline Gilleran Stephens and Dr Suzanne Linnane, the initiative draws on research and practical environmental learning to help young people understand and protect their local environment.
As part of the United Youth Initiative, H2O Heroes contributes environmental learning alongside sport, physical activity, good relations, peacebuilding and creativity. This shared approach helps young people aged 9–18 develop confidence, new skills and friendships across community backgrounds. Through youth clubs, community settings and shared activities, the wider programme creates opportunities for meaningful contact between young people. H2O Heroes adds a hands-on STEM perspective, encouraging curiosity about local water catchments, freshwater biodiversity and environmental stewardship.
Paul Carvill of Healthy Kidz said: “Reaching 5,000 young people is a fantastic milestone for the United Youth Initiative and something everyone involved in the programme can be extremely proud of.
“What makes this achievement particularly significant is the partnership behind it. Each organisation brings different expertise and experience to the programme, but we are united by a shared ambition to create positive experiences and opportunities for young people.
“Five thousand participants means thousands of individual experiences, new connections and opportunities for young people to learn alongside others from different communities and backgrounds.
“We are delighted with what the partnership has achieved so far, and our focus now is on building on that momentum and continuing to deliver a programme that has a meaningful and lasting impact for young people and their communities.”
SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: “Welcoming 5,000 participants is an impressive achievement and highlights the positive impact PEACEPLUS is having in supporting young people and communities across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.
“PEACEPLUS is about creating opportunities for people to come together, build connections and contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous future. The United Youth Initiative is a strong example of that ambition in action, providing young people with opportunities to engage, learn and grow through shared experiences.”
Dr Caroline Gilleran Stephens, H2O Heroes at DkIT, said: “Reaching 5,000 young people is a wonderful milestone, and we are delighted to contribute to a programme that is building stronger connections between communities while inspiring the next generation. Through H2O Heroes, we are helping young people discover the importance of water and environmental sustainability while creating opportunities to learn, connect and work together across communities.”
The milestone recognises the work of participating youth organisations, community groups, staff, coaches, facilitators and volunteers, as well as the enthusiasm of the young people themselves. As delivery continues, the partners aim to build on this momentum and create further opportunities for shared learning and stronger, more inclusive communities.
The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) is a North South Body with the statutory remit for managing EU funding programmes within Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.
• PEACEPLUS is a cross-border funding Programme designed to support peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland and has a total value of €1.14 billion, to be delivered over the next four years.