Ritchie announces funding boost for school pupils in Omagh

Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie today announced funding of nearly £90,000 for a Learning Mentor programme in Omagh

The funding will help provide for a learning mentor who will work across a number of schools supporting pupils in achieving their potential academically, socially and emotionally. The schools involved are Arvalee School, Christian Brothers Grammar School, Drumragh Integrated College, Loreto Convent Grammar School, Omagh Academy, Omagh High School and Sacred Heart College.

Margaret Ritchie said: “This mentoring programme will help enhance the levels of educational attainment of children in the Omagh Neighbourhood Renewal Area. I recognise that if we are to tackle the long term spiral of deprivation we must improve the life chances of those living in our most deprived communities. It is vital that all our children, regardless of background and particularly those living in the Neighbourhood Renewal areas are given the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

“This investment is further evidence of my Department’s commitment to support people living in the Omagh Neighbourhood Renewal Area, including O’Kane Park, Gallows Hill, Johnston Park, Campsie, Mullaghmore and Strathroy.”

A Neighbourhood Partnership, that includes representation from across the Neighbourhood Renewal Area, has been established to lead in the regeneration of the area. Twenty one projects have been supported to date under the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund in Omagh.

Notes to Editors:

1. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy ‘People and Place’ which was published in June 2003, sets out Government’s proposals for closing the gap between the quality of life for people in the most deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of society. Its objectives include four inter linking strategic objectives:

• Community Renewal – to develop confident communities that are able and committed to improving the quality of life in their areas.
• Economic Renewal – to develop economic activity in the most deprived neighbourhoods and connect them to the wider urban economy.
• Social Renewal – to improve social conditions for the people who live in the most deprived neighbourhoods through better co-ordinated public services and the creation of safer environments.
• Physical Renewal – to help create attractive, safe and sustainable environments in the most deprived neighbourhoods.

2. The projects which have or are being supported include a range of social, educational, physical and community capacity building projects.

3. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.