17 July 2001

GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS CAN CREATE LEADERS OF THE FUTURE - FARREN

"We want to create in the young people of Northern Ireland the potential to become the leaders of the future. We can do this by encouraging them to look beyond our shores to learn from others – and by encouraging them to examine their own attitudes and outlooks," Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment, Dr Sean Farren said today.

The Minister was speaking at the International Association of Methodist – related Schools, Colleges and Universities Conference (IAMSCU).

Dr Farren went on to say: "In partnership with my Department, IAMSCU through the Business education Initiative, have helped shape young peoples’ lives at a crucial stage in the history of Northern Ireland. This partnership which has positive benefits for young people provides a working example of how we can learn from each other, exchange ideas and develop best practice models."

He continued by saying: "As Minister with responsibility for higher and further education, I am committed to ensuring that the Northern Ireland Executive is focussed on providing high quality education, with equal access for all."

"I also believe that we must specifically single out for assistance people who have been denied such access in the past. I am referring to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, ex-prisoners, long term unemployed, women returners, travellers and the disabled.

" A recently published International Adult Literacy Survey concluded that almost 25% of the NI adult population have some literacy or numeracy problems. If we are serious about promoting social inclusion and developing a fairer society, this problem must be addressed. It is a major barrier to social and economic inclusion. It must be - and will be - addressed."

Minister Farren told delegates that the Executive is committed to targeting resources where they are most needed:

"I believe very strongly that Government has a role to play in achieving social inclusion and eliminating poverty, disadvantage and injustice. Opening up educational and training opportunities to all is critical if we are to become an inclusive and just society.

"If Targeting Social Need is to be an effective driver of genuine change, it must be more than a theoretical approach to policy but a real working practical approach to all Government actions. As far as I am concerned TSN says – if we have limited resources they need to be targeted at those in society most in need. That simple principle is TSN in action.

"By effectively targeting social need and removing causes of deprivation we are attempting to build a new Northern Ireland. IAMSCU, through its links with the Business Education Initiative, is making a significant contribution to that building process."

The Minister outlined the importance of linkage between industry and the education system:

"A strong economy will assist with the development of a peaceful and just society. It is therefore essential to retain a clear focus on how effectively our education initiatives embrace the needs of industry in Northern Ireland. The fusion of these two crucially important themes holds the key to a peaceful and economically successful future for Northern Ireland."

Media enquiries to Kevin Mulhern, DHFETE Press Office, telephone 028 9025 7790 or mobile 07799 711523

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Business Education Initiative

The Training & Employment Agency has been involved with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) since 1994 through the Business Education Initiative. BEI aims to provide pre-final year students, from any discipline, with international business management skills, through a one-year placement at a private, church affiliated university or college in the United States. Students studying at any college or university in Northern Ireland are eligible to participate on BEI.

Currently almost 1000 students have participated in the programme, with 165 students taking up places in over 100 US Colleges each year.