Placed at the top of the hill, Bosco’s Youth Centre sits firmly, overlooking the estate buildings of Newry Town. At first glance, you see a weathered community building with rusted metal siding from the damp air, and broken chairs sitting patiently to be discarded. A nostalgic feeling welcomes you, as although you have never been here, you know you have met before. Inside, the children of Bosco are rehearsing Ireland’s first production of ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie,’ although the only topic of conversation is directed at the strange woman with the fancy camera equipment.
Despite the cold and suspicious reception from the children, the adult staff of Bosco’s take me in, providing a quick rundown of the basic facilities. While passing the glass cabinet of memorabilia and decades' worth of trophies, they stop at the painted portrait of Don Bosco, telling me how the Saint dedicated his life to the education and guidance of children. His educational philosophy, being famously known as the ‘Preventative System’.
Over the next six weeks I would go to see just how this Saint’s historical and centuries-old values have remained ever as strong in Bosco’s Youth Centre. It does not take one long to see the lifelong dedication of Bosco’s staff, it also does not take long for the children to fully engulf you in both admiration and awe. By week six I found myself both completely heartbroken and in love, heartbroken I had not met these people sooner and fully in love with the openness and care that is consistently instilled in everyone apart of The Bosco's Youth Centre.
