Foróige history

1953 A further 12 pilot clubs come together under the name 'Macra na Tuaithe', later to be called Foróige.

1958 A £30,000 grant secured from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation of America helps fund an expansion of Macra na Tuaithe activities.

In 1963, the organisation received its first funding from the Department of Education.

1969 Seven new educational programmes are introduced.

In 1971, Macra na Tuaithe began its expansion into urban areas with the opening of a permanent headquarters in Dublin, and developed the decision to build more Foróige clubs in urban areas.

1974 Despite achieving both a 700% increase in the numbers trained by the organisation and a “very substantial increase in membership”, fiscal pressures forces the organisation to reduce investment in staff and training.

1979 Marks a turning point for Macra na Tuaithe.

In 1981, Marca na Tuaithe was renamed Foróige and the result of this change was to facilitate further expansion into growing urban areas.

1982 Foróige is the first organisation to provide general youth work services in disadvantaged areas with the establishment of youth services in Tallaght and Blanchardstown.

1991 Foróige partners with An Garda Síochána to roll out one of the first Garda Youth Diversion Projects in the country.

1996 Foróige partners with the Health Service Executive to develop community-based early intervention and prevention Neighbourhood Youth Projects.

1998 Foróige develops a dedicated sexual health programme focused on developing positive and healthy relationships.

2001 Foróige brings the first Intel Computer Clubhouse to Europe.

2002 In partnership with the HSE, Foróige establishes Ireland’s first youth café. 'The Gaff' in Co.

2006 Foróige secures the largest sponsorship of youth work in Ireland to grow and enhance its Youth Citizenship programme.

2009 Foróige’s Best Practise Unit is established to facilitate the development of the organisation in becoming a leader in the field of youth work.