Young people from East Belfast are celebrating a transformative milestone as the ‘Step Up For Change’ project concludes in the city.

Delivered by the Phoenix Education Centre, the two-year initiative has supported 15 young people in developing the skills, confidence, and experience necessary to secure employment, pursue further education, and make positive life choices. The project targeted disadvantaged areas within East Belfast, including Mount, Ballymacarrett, Island, and Cregagh, tackling educational underachievement and improving prospects for young people.

It is supported by the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) through its Personal Youth Development Programme (PYDP), which provides tailored support to at-risk young people to build resilience, foster good relations, and improve employability.

Speaking at the project’s celebration event, IFI Board Member Bill Pauley said: “The IFI is committed to delivering initiatives that create meaningful change, empowering communities and individuals to contribute towards a shared future.

“We recognise how important it is to give young people a voice and a chance in life, particularly in communities where the Good Friday Agreement has yet to deliver its full potential. Few youth programmes offer such tailored support. We can see first-hand how lives have been completely transformed. These participants are now on a very different path, one filled with hope and opportunity.”

Many of the project’s participants overcame significant personal barriers, including addiction, anxiety, and literacy challenges. Through a combination of dedicated staff support and their own self-determination, they have successfully moved towards positive futures.

Emma Shaw, Founder and Executive Director of the Phoenix Education Centre, noted that the project has been a vital lifeline in East Belfast. "Today isn't simply about celebrating certificates – it's about celebrating courage, resilience and the determination of every young person who chose to invest in themselves.

“Many of the participants who joined Step Up For Change faced significant barriers to education, employment and confidence. Through their commitment, and with the support of our team and partners, they have developed new skills, gained recognised qualifications and, perhaps most importantly, begun to believe in what they are capable of achieving.

“At Phoenix Education Centre, we believe that talent exists in every community. Sometimes people simply need someone to believe in them and to provide the right opportunities at the right time. Step Up For Change has done exactly that.

“We are incredibly proud of every graduate. Their achievements represent far more than qualifications—they represent new beginnings, greater confidence and real hope for the future. We look forward to seeing each of them continue their journey into employment, further education and positive roles within their communities.

“I would also like to thank the International Fund for Ireland for its continued investment in programmes that are transforming lives and helping to build a more inclusive and prosperous future for young people across Northern Ireland. Today's graduation is proof that when we invest in people, they achieve extraordinary things."

Over the past two years, ‘Step Up For Change’ delivered range of activities. Core elements included personal development sessions covering confidence building, wellbeing, life skills, and drug awareness as well as educational trips exploring local history and some impactful community projects.

The team also provided a range of accredited and non-accredited training opportunities to prepare participants for employment and continues to offer guidance to ensure clear pathways toward future goals for participants.

Reflecting on their journey, participants shared their experiences.

“The programme gave me opportunities I never thought I would have,” said one participant. “I gained new qualifications, improved my confidence, took part in work placements, and I am now in employment. The support from the staff helped me plan for my future and believe in what I can achieve.”

Another added: “I came to the programme with no qualifications and no confidence. I struggled with reading and writing, but the staff at Phoenix Education Centre helped me improve my literacy skills and gave me my confidence back.