Donovan’s story is just one of many that show the real-world impact that Queen’s has made, and continues to make - not just through education, but through research, partnerships, and outreach.

“It made me believe in myself” - Donovan

R-CITY initially started to help young people realise their opportunities and aspirations by developing their leadership qualities and educational independence. It is committed to giving voice and agency to young people living in areas facing conflict or the legacy of conflict, improving young peoples’ mental health, and ensuring young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are equipped with the skills and confidence to achieve their potential.

Donovan Evitt first started collaborating with Queen’s university around 7 years ago when she was part of the Impact Global project – a programme where 10 students from Queen’s University and 10 participants from R-CITY were tasked with designing a sustainable community initiative in South Africa. Since that initial project, Donovan has graduated with a First-Class Honours in youth work and continues her work with R-CITY as a project co-ordinator.

“You don’t realise what you bring to the table until you’re at the table.” – Donovan

Donovan credits her experience working with the staff and students at Queen’s University on collaborative R-CITY projects as opening her mind to the possibilities of getting a university education, something she previously saw as beyond reach.

In 2022 Foróige’s Leadership for Life Programme partnered with Queen’s University Belfast and R-CITY, allowing students to work towards the Queen’s University Belfast Level 4 Certificate in Youth Leadership and Community Action, a two-year course designed to develop leadership skills

“If you’re asking me what the impact is, it’s generating the conversations of university being a possible topic. Them even coming back and wanting to volunteer.,,It’s making them believe they can do what they want to do.” - Donovan

Through her work at R-CITY Donovan has been a mentor to the first cohort of 33 students all from the Ardoyne and Shankill areas of Belfast. She has seen a dramatic increase not just in the numbers of young people who want more information on what the qualification might mean for their future, but also those wanting to give something back through the R-CITY community. All 33 students graduated with a Queen’s University Belfast Level 4 Certificate in Youth Leadership and Community Action in October 2024.

Discover more impact stories at qub.ac.uk/180.