‘Nothing compares to youth work in Belfast – it changed our lives’

The pair will be swapping North Belfast for the USA for an adventure of a lifetime

Two youth workers from North Belfast have spoken about the impact it has had on their lives as they set off on an exciting adventure this month.

Alyssa Grainger and Codie Waite, both 21, first met at Belfast Model School for Girls, but it was through their involvement in R-City that their friendship and leadership journey truly began. The cross-community youth initiative works with young people from the Shankill and Ardoyne areas.

Starting out as participants in their teens, the pair have since become volunteers, facilitators, and now staff members. In 2023, with support from The National Lottery Community Fund, they co-founded The SHE Project – a youth-led feminist programme tackling gender-based violence and promoting empowerment and justice.

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This month, the two youth workers will travel to the United States as part of the Study USA programme, which gives students from Northern Ireland the chance to live and study in the US for a year, forging global connections and developing skills that will shape their future careers.

The Ulster University students will spend the next academic year immersed in American college life. Alyssa will study at Ohio Wesleyan University, while Codie will be just down the road at Otterbein University. Both are already plugged into campus life, with host families confirmed and early connections made with local women’s rights organisations and volunteering groups.

Speaking about the experience, Codie said: “I’m excited to go back to something that feels like school. Here, you’re locked into your degree. But in the US, I get to study women and gender studies, non-profit management and communication – subjects I care about deeply.”

More than just academics, the two are also looking forward to experiencing American campus life. Alyssa said: “I’m looking forward to living close to campus and the college experience. Here, we study in Belfast, and I live at home, work one or two jobs, have a social life and family commitments.

“It can be hard to really immerse yourself in uni life. So, I’m really looking forward to American college culture – going to football games and community events. Our two colleges are actually playing each other in the first football game of the season, and we’re already researching that.

“At Ohio Wesleyan, the orientation also includes camps where people with similar interests can connect. I filled out a form expressing interest in community service, so during the first week or two, we’re doing a community service bus in Delaware to meet local organisations. That will help me figure out what clubs I want to join.

“I feel like once I’ve finished the programme, I’ll just be itching to see what more opportunities are out there. We’ve already done so much without even finishing university, so I can’t wait to see what else I can learn – and bring back to help others. I’ll always want to give back to our community.”

It’s also not Alyssa and Codie’s first time representing Northern Ireland abroad. Both have previously travelled to South Africa with R-City and to Australia as part of their Community Youth Work degree at Ulster University.

“But nothing compares to youth work in Belfast,” says Codie. “I don’t think anywhere does it like we do. I always say youth work here is different than anywhere else. In other countries, young people tend to focus more on sports, music, and hobbies and there aren’t many youth programmes or organisations. Seeing that firsthand will make me more grateful for the opportunities I’ve had.”

They also have no plans to leave R-City behind. Alyssa said: “We’ll be Face Timing the team, wearing our hoodies in presentations and highlighting our own personal practice and the change and progression that Northern Ireland has had.”

“R-City changed our lives,” Codie adds. “I used to be terrified to speak in front of a group. Now I lead sessions with over 40 people. If I hadn’t joined, I would’ve gone down a completely different path. Thanks to R-City, I’ve gained the confidence and skills that have prepared me for Study USA – and so much more.”

They will be joined by 58 other students from across Northern Ireland on the programme – representing Ulster University, Queen’s University Belfast, South Eastern Regional College, Belfast Met and St Mary’s University College.

Speaking about the opportunity, Mary Mallon, Head of Education, British Council Northern Ireland, said: “We’re incredibly proud to support students like Alyssa and Codie through the Study USA programme. Their dedication to community work already reflects the leadership, passion and potential this programme aims to nurture.

“Study USA is about more than academics – it’s about building global connections, developing future leaders, and equipping young people with the skills to thrive, both locally and internationally. We wish them every success and have no doubt they’ll be outstanding ambassadors for Northern Ireland on the global stage.”

Applications for the 2026–27 Study USA programme will open in September 2025. For more information, visit: nireland.britishcouncil.org/opportunities/study-usa. Youth groups interested in being involved with the Study USA programme should contact Study.USA@britishcouncil.org.

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