14 June 2000

FARREN VISITS QUB STUDENTS’ UNION

The Minister for Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment, Dr Sean Farren, today visited the Students’ Union at Queen’s University, Belfast.

During his visit the Minister met and chatted over a number of issues with students. He also addressed a group of students about to embark on the Project Children Young Leaders Programme.

The Young Leaders Programme, which was created in 1995, aims to give young adults a first hand experience of US Government and Culture. This year internship opportunities are being offered to over 50 students from eight colleges in Northern Ireland, Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. Placements are in congressional offices, the media and a number of non-governmental organisations and government departments.

Dr Farren said: "I have no doubt that the students who make the trip will be able to apply the experience, knowledge and skills they gain to good effect in whatever walk of life they return to back home. And this is not just a one way street - both sides of the Atlantic will reap the benefits of this cross-fertilisation in the longer term.

"I will be very keen to hear how this group of young people get on in the States and I hope I will get the chance to meet them when they return to learn more about their experiences and their thoughts on the Programme."

 

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

For further information on the Young leaders programme please contact

Brian Heading, Communications and Development Officer, QUB Students’ Union,

Tel: 028 90324803; E-mail: admin@qub-su.org.uk