Hi there, my name is Aoibheann, and I’m proud to represent Foróige at the National Youth Assembly 2025/2026.

I joined the National Youth Assembly to share my experiences and opinions about what life is really like as a teenager in Ireland, and to make sure young people’s voices are heard. So far, I’ve been most passionate about the Online Health Assembly. It’s a topic that affects so many young people, and being part of those conversations has shown me how important it is to have young people involved in shaping solutions.

Being part of the Assembly has helped me develop my public speaking skills and has given me the confidence to speak up and share my views. It’s shown me that every opinion matters and that young people can make a real difference. Working with young people from across Ireland has also broadened my perspective. It made me realise how different life can be depending on where you live, and how fortunate I am to have grown up in an urban area. Hearing the experiences of young people from rural communities has helped me better understand the challenges they face.

One of the best parts of the Assembly has been the friendships I’ve made. Staying on after meetings, getting to know my fellow delegates and mentors, and meeting so many new people has made the experience even more memorable.

I really believe the National Youth Assembly is making a difference. It’s amazing to see our recommendations come back to us and to know that our ideas are helping shape real decisions.

Looking ahead to 2026, I’m excited for my Leaving Certificate, learning to drive, becoming more independent, and seeing the positive impact that young people can continue to have on future generations.

If I could give one piece of advice to anyone thinking about joining the Assembly, it would be this: be yourself. People will appreciate you for who you are, and your kindness, ideas, and unique perspective are what make your voice so valuable.