16 June 2000
FARREN PRAISES CROSS BORDER/CROSS COMMUNITY TRAINEES
Three training projects under the IFI's Wider Horizons Programme, which bring together all sections of the community in East Belfast and Ballymun in Dublin were praised last night by Dr Sean Farren, the Minister for Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment.
The Minister was speaking at a special graduation dinner in the Hilton Hotel, Belfast, where a number of trainees from the projects, which were organised and run by Prospects Ltd, were presented with certificates.
Dr Farren said: "What these young people have achieved on their respective programmes has not only provided them with the skills necessary to gain work, but an awareness and understanding of the cultural differences which exist within Northern Ireland and beyond. And it is only by creating such awareness and understanding that we can build the inclusive society we need and deserve.
"The projects which Prospects have developed have achieved significant success towards doing just that by removing barriers and perceptions and bringing young people together. They are also an important element in the drive towards Lifelong Learning.
"Everyone involved in getting these projects off the ground and making them such a success deserves great credit."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
The Wider Horizons Programme is jointly delivered on behalf of the IFI by the Training and Employment Agency in Northern Ireland and FAS (the Training and Employment Authority) in the Republic. The Programme seeks to improve the employability of young people aged 18-28 by providing training, work experience and personal development at home and abroad.
Prospects represents organisations from both sections of the community in East Belfast and the Ballymun area of North Dublin. Over the past six years it has run 18 training projects involving nearly 400 young people who have gained work experience and skills both at home and abroad.
For further information on Prospects please contact Elaine Mansfield on 028 90 455044.