On Monday 27th June 2011 Boards Members Staff of both the KDYS and KES gathered at the KDYS Youth Centre, Fairhill, Killarney to mark the signing of the second Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two organisations. The MOU focuses on strengthening the relationship between the Voluntary and Statutory sectors. It acknowledges that for over two decades KES and KDYS have developed effective collaborative arrangements which have contributed to the range of quality services available to young people in Kerry. Initiatives on which the organisations have worked together include four Youthreach Projects, Disadvantaged Youth Programme, Youth Club Support Grants, Tralee Local Voluntary Youth Council, Tralee Rapid Project and Mentoring Projects. Tim O Donoghue CEO KDYS welcomed everybody and called on Bishop Bill Murphy to address the gathering where he reminisced on his previous associations with both organisations and stated that “it was marvellous to see collaboration between two very efficient and prestigious organisations.” Cllr. Jim Finnucane, Chairman KES, spoke of the importance of this collaborative approach given the challenges that face young people in society today. Fr. Gearoid Godley , KDYS Board Member, praised both organisations for their work together over the years. He highlighted the value of the work carried out in communities across the Diocese on a weekly basis by volunteers. Ann O Dwyer, CEO KES, pointed out that nowhere in Ireland do you have this level of co-operation between a voluntary and state agency. “It is a model of good practice that other groups nationally would hope to replicate”. In a closing address, Patrick Burke CEO Youth Work Ireland, referred to that great philosophical question of “why is there something rather than nothing?” and said that the answer was found in the on-going good work of both organisations. He pledged to emphasise the KDYS/KES Memorandum of Understanding and what it represented to the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald and to Youth Work Ireland affiliated services across the country. KDYS and KES will continue to prioritise their commitment to better lives for young people. This is in keeping with both organisations’ commitment to youth participation and engagement.