AN innovative initiative aimed at educating young drivers and future drivers about road safety was officially launched in Letterkenny earlier this week.

The Crossroads Programme will cater for over 265 participants over a two-year period, providing them with hands-on experience working on real cars, teaching mechanical and bodywork skills and emphasising the importance of road safety.

Each five-week session will accommodate 10 young participants. Under the expert guidance of instructors Denis Ferry, Leslie O’Donnell and members of Pro Social Ireland, the budding mechanics will learn about cars in a fully functional garage located in Letterkenny.

The programme is an integral component of the Pro Social Ireland Driving programme, which was established in Donegal in 2012 and has since expanded its reach to several counties.

The goal is to educate young people by challenging their existing thought patterns and attitudes toward driving, ultimately fostering greater awareness of their driving behaviour.

This programme falls under Theme 2: “Thriving and Peaceful Communities”, which is part of Donegal’s PEACEPLUS Local Action Plan.

Speaking at the launch of the Crossroads PEACEPLUS Programme, Donegal County Council Cathaoirleach Paul Canning said the initiative is a great example of how PEACEPLUS funding can drive positive change within our border communities.

Mick Quinlivan, Chairman, Pro Social Ireland added that the Programme aims to teach young people to respect cars and how they work and to respect themselves and all other road users.

Denis Ferry, tutor on the Programme thanked the PEACEPLUS Programme for their support for The Crossroads Programme which harnesses the passion young people have for cars in a constructive manner.

“This course is designed to instill respect for cars, an understanding of how they function, self-respect, and respect for all road users among young drivers, irrespective of gender,” he said.

For more information about the project, you can contact Pro Social Ireland at: admin@prosocialireland.ie