What We Learned
While the evaluation focused on a specific programme, several themes emerged that will be familiar to many organisations working on equality and inclusion.
The first was the strength of the programme’s reputation. Across the research, participants consistently described it as a trusted source of support, training, and practical guidance on equality and intercultural youth work. The resources, tools, and learning developed by the programme are being used in youth organisations across Ireland and are helping staff and volunteers respond to issues such as racism, exclusion and cultural difference in their day-to-day work.
The evaluation also highlighted that meaningful change takes time. The strongest impact was often found where organisations had engaged with the programme over a number of years, building confidence, skills and commitment gradually rather than through one-off interventions.
More broadly, the project reinforced the vital role that youth work plays in communities across Ireland. Youth workers are often among the first people young people turn to when they are experiencing exclusion, discrimination or uncertainty about who they are. At its best, youth work creates spaces where young people can participate, build confidence, develop a sense of belonging and engage with difference in positive and constructive ways.
At the same time, there was a clear sense that demand for this work is growing. Youth organisations are facing increasingly complex equality and intercultural issues and are looking for support to respond well. This places considerable demands on a relatively small team.
People Matter
One of the strongest messages from the evaluation was the importance of relationships.
The programme’s impact is closely connected to the experience, knowledge and commitment of the people leading it. Trust has been built over many years through listening, supporting organisations and responding thoughtfully to difficult issues as they arise.
This is a real strength and one of the reasons the programme is so highly regarded. At the same time, like many successful initiatives, it raises questions about how knowledge, relationships and learning can be shared more widely so that the work remains sustainable as demand grows.
Rather than recommending major change, the evaluation pointed towards ways of building on what already works well and ensuring that the programme has the support and capacity needed for the future.
Working Together
A feature of this project was the way the evaluation was carried out.
From the outset, NYCI approached the process as an opportunity for learning and reflection rather than inspection. Questions were developed together, findings were discussed throughout the process and there was a shared commitment to producing something that would be useful in practice.
We worked hard to ensure that the findings were accessible and relevant to the people who would use them. That meant avoiding unnecessary jargon, being realistic about capacity and grounding recommendations in the realities of youth work.
The result was an evaluation that provided an independent perspective while remaining connected to the day-to-day experiences of those involved in the work.
Reflections for NB Social Justice Studio
For us, this project reinforced something we see repeatedly across our work. Evaluations are most useful when they help organisations understand and strengthen what they are already doing well, while also creating space for honest reflection about challenges and future priorities.
It also reinforced the value of clear language and practical recommendations. Research has greatest value when people can use it, discuss it and apply it in their everyday work.
Most of all, the project highlighted the importance of sustained investment in equality and intercultural work. Lasting change rarely comes from a single initiative. It grows through long-term commitment, strong relationships and organisations that are supported to learn and develop over time.
This evaluation helped NYCI take stock of an important programme at a moment of growing demand and changing expectations, while staying grounded in the values and relationships that have made the work successful in the first place.
