7 September 2001

WOMEN’S GROUP HAS VITAL ROLE TO PLAY - FARREN

Minister for Employment and Learning, Dr Sean Farren MLA, has highlighted the vital role local groups play in the life of their community. The Minister was speaking as he performed the official opening of a new IT facility for Cullyhanna Women’s Group.

The Minister said: "For over 25 years Cullyhanna Women’s Group has made an invaluable contribution to the education of people in the South Armagh area. In many ways, this contribution has helped to sustain the local community, through improved job and career prospects for the men and women who have studied and taken qualifications.

"Without individuals, such as those involved in the group who are prepared to give something back to their community, rural areas cannot survive. I am delighted that the Cullyhanna Women’s Group has gone from strength to strength over their history. Through the provision of this new IT centre, the people of the area can make use of the latest technology to gain training and qualifications, whether to improve their job prospects or to further an interest.

"I would pay tribute to all involved in bringing the latest technology to the rural areas, including those involved in the committee and the organisations who provided the essential funding. Initiatives like this can become the lifeblood of a rural area and I wish Cullyhanna Women’s Group continued success for at least the next 25 years."

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NOTES TO EDITORS:

Cullyhanna Women’s Group was formed in 1976 to provide social and learning opportunities for women who were living in a socially disadvantaged area with restricted employment or leisure opportunities.

The IT Centre currently offers 17 computer courses catering for the needs of up to 250 people in any one week. The courses offered range from basic CLAIT courses to RSA stages 1,2,3, Desk Top Publishing and the European Computer Driving Licence.