Mayo man makes lasting impression during memorable trip to India

Ballyhaunis man Brian O'Neill travelled 8,330km to deliver the Foróige Leadership for Life programme to Indian students at Thamarai Learning Centre in Tamil Nadu and to start Foróige's first youth club in India.

Not only that, but he, and a local man, also saved two people from drowning when they were swept out to sea in the heavy currents of the Bay of Bengal during an afternoon swim.

Brian's visit continues the Mayo link of previous volunteer visits from the county and Thamarai's co-founder, Bridget Horkan from Castlebar.

Brian was introduced to Thamarai through Breda Ruane, Mayo youth officer of MSLETB, at the start of a cross cultural youth initiative between the Bey Project Ballyhaunis and Thamarai India.

Both projects stand for equity and the full potential of youth.

Since 2022, young people on both sides have engaged in zoom link-ups to share their culture, co-created an international story book published by MSLETB and created a virtual gallery of their work with the help of Castlebar's Ruairi Kelly, digital programmes coordinator at Foróige.

Special thanks also to Laura Cox at the Bey Project, Michelle Reynolds area manager, Hazel at An Cosan and all at Foróige Mayo.

Brian is back in Mayo after spending a month in India as a resource person at Thamarai, which is a community learning centre in a marginalised village that hosts after school, weekend and holiday educational programmes to 90 children and literacy programmes for adults.

The programmes are open to all and designed to provide opportunities for those most in need to thrive.

The Foróige Leadership for Life programme enables young people aged 15-18 to develop the skills and qualities necessary to be inspiring leaders.

Young people are empowered to make a positive change in their community through practical actions and projects.

Module 1 of Leadership for Life was completed by 11 Indian students and there are plans over the next two years to complete modules 2 and 3, which would then give the Indian students accreditation of two Irish universities.

This training builds on the existing work that Thamarai is committed to through the Radical Transformational Leadership, global and local programmes, for young people and adults.

The Mayo connection was also enriched with the RTL leadership programme held in ATU Mayo in 2023 by RTL creator Dr. Monica Sharma.

During the recent Leadership for Life programme, Thamarai students created their own inspired definition of leadership.

They observed: "Leadership is the organising, guiding and inspiring of people to do what is right and achieve equality in the world.

"I learned how to express my ideas clearly with good communication skills.

"I can learn how to become a leader in my community."

Brian O'Neill told The Connaught Telegraph: “During my month in Thamarai, I have experienced nothing but warmth and kindness.

"I have come to learn that Thamarai is a home for everyone, much like my home in Ballyhaunis where people from all over the world have made a home. Thamarai is an example of what every good community should be.“

As a prerequisite to starting Foróige youth clubs, seven Thamarai staff members completed the Foróige club start up online training in November 2024 with Gerry Prior and Andy Neary.

On Brian's last day in Thamarai, the first Foróige Indian club was born with the election of youth officers from the Leadership for Life graduates. The club will meet every Saturday evening.

Bridget Horkan stated: "We are delighted to carry the Foróige flag in India. We look forward to seeing how the youth club supports young people to thrive and unfold their potential for peace and prosperity in their local community and for the planet.

"It was a delight to have Brian with us. His care and commitment are outstanding. The students are missing him already. I learned from his preparedness and professional delivery while keeping sessions fun and light."

The Thamarai team are committed to working towards the opportunity for the Indian students to come to Ireland for the Foróige Leadership for Life Conference, which is an annual event held in Maynooth University.

The conference gives young people involved in Foróige the opportunity to complete one module of Foróige's Leadership for Life Programme in a conference setting.

For anyone reading this who would like to support the Indian young people to travel to Ireland for this conference please be in touch with Bridget on WhatsApp (086) 3600212 or email bridget@auroville.org.in.