North-South Cooperation

The Wider Horizons Programme targets disadvantaged unemployed people between the ages of 18 and 28 in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The aim of the programme is to promote mutual understanding and reconciliation between the two traditions in Northern Ireland and the Republic. The programme is funded by the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) and is run jointly by FÁS and the Department for Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland.

The Wider Horizons programme runs for an average period of 20 weeks (see Programme Stages) and includes 21 participants selected equally from the two traditions in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (see Participant Eligibility). The programme involves training and work experience both at home and abroad; overseas locations include Canada, USA, Spain, South Africa and Cyprus. It is designed to provide participants with the personal and practical skills, experiences, and qualifications that will enable them to progress to mainstream training and/or employment.

Projects cover a broad range of industry sectors and include areas such as tourism and hospitality, business administration, multimedia, creative technology and web design, media skills, property management and community development (e.g. youth sports). In addition to the training aspects, all projects address the areas of mutual understanding and peace and reconciliation, which are central principles of the programme. See Sponsor Eligibility.

For further information about the Wider Horizons Programme, contact your local FÁS Office.