Some youth projects are ephemeral by nature - they appeal to an enthusiasm in the young, who then move on. What is it about those that demonstrate longevity, in this case, the resilience to survive the air raids of 1941 and 30 years of civil strife? The 78th was an "open" group, not affiliated to any church, hence it could appeal across the sectarian divide, as it still does. Supportive parents fundraised for the premises and equipment needed to sustain a group that, at its peak in the late 1960s, had more than 150 members in several sections. Above all, it had excellent leadership, generally grown within its own ranks and thus imbued with its distinctive traditions. Since the group is located in one of Belfast's more problematic areas, the commitment of such voluntary leaders, especially during the most fearful nights of the Troubles, is beyond praise.
This kind of commitment can be found in all kinds of youth work. But - mention it softly - perhaps there is something special about the identity that is established by the Scouts and similar bodies: in their programme, in the nature of their values, perhaps even in their uniform. They do not have a universal appeal to the young but are there ways in which more open styles of youth work could create similar binding and supportive aspects of identity? Could it create the sort of solidarity that somehow still draws together that old chap who joined the Scout troop in 1934 and the young woman who was recently a venture scout and is now a leader?
- Tom Wylie is chief executive at The National Youth Agency. He can be contacted at tomw@nya.org.uk.
