5 September 2001
"DOWNPATRICK GETS ONLINE TO CONTINUE LEARNING TRADITION"
Minister for Employment and Learning, Dr Sean Farren, has today officially opened East Down Institute's new learndirect centre in Downpatrick.
Speaking at the opening in Market Street, the Minister said: "Downpatrick, the home of saints and scholars through the ages, is now adding a further step in its e-learning for the 21st century. This centre will help individuals and businesses to develop and improve skills in a way that is convenient for them in terms of time and location.
"The facility will also join the network of learndirect centres now in operation across Northern Ireland, helping to increase and widen participation in learning and contribute to the development of a competitive economy."
Learndirect is using Information Communications Technology (ICT) to revolutionise where and how people learn. Courses are completed online at a time and pace to suit the learner and wherever they have access to the Internet, within learning centres, at home or in work. This flexible approach is proving to be popular in Northern Ireland with 4673 learners taking up 8867 courses to date.
East Down Institute is engaged in all major education and training activities in the Down area and is a key player in community education and economic development. The Institute has extensive experience of working with government and regional initiatives and over the years has developed close working relationships with employers, statutory agencies and community/voluntary organisations.
Media enquiries to Kevin Mulhern, Press Office, 028 9025 7790 or mobile 07799 711523.