Operation Lelievlet

 

Operation Lelievlet is an initiative by Scouting Ireland in partnership with the ‘Voice of the River’ Project and Limerick City Build The project operates from Oscail House (formerly the Cahill May Roberts factory) in Bank Place, Limerick.

 

The initiative centres around the building of steel hulled sailing boats called Lelievlets, a proven design adapted from Sea Scouts in the Netherlands. The Dutch possess a fleet of 1,600 Lelievlets throughout their Scout Centres.

 

Aims and Objectives

 

Operation Lelievlet is a practical educational and employment initiative based on the key components of the Scouting programme and practical work skills. Participation in the initiative enables participants  to pursue future employment and fosters the development of Scouting Groups with a water based focus.

 

During the period of the training initiative young people will gain practical skills in metal fabrication and boat building complimented by life skills and those typically described as 21st Century Learning Skills.

 

These life skills include

 

 Teamwork

 Leadership

 Personal responsibility

 Communication skills

 Problem solving

 

Scouting Ireland’s response to the national challenge of youth unemployment is driving this initiative to address this problem and the issue of social inclusion. The key objectives include:

 

1. Tackling youth unemployment

Young people aged 18-24 who have disengaged from formal education and employment (NEETs) and live in socially deprived areas.

 

2. Development of Scouting in marginalised communities

Scouting has a proven method and programme for the development of young people. This programme is adaptable to any location or social situation. It is open to all young people. Scouting Ireland has a policy of out-reach and involvement of all young people and has already identified key areas in which such work can be of benefit to those who are marginalised.

 

3. Development of Scouting activity on inland waterways

Scouting Ireland operates a number of programme activity centres across the country of which five have water based activity. It is our belief that the inland waterways of Ireland offer unique and untapped potential for the development of water based activities of all kinds.

 

Scouting Ireland is the country’s largest volunteer led youth organisation with more than 50,000 members across the island of Ireland and has been in existence for over 107 years. Its youth programme has a proven record in developing pro-active citizens with valuable leadership, life and social skills.

 

Young people who come through the Scout programme typically exhibit a set of skills that appeal to employers.