McCausland announces £68,000 funding boost for Coalisland youth

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced a £68,000 funding boost for a three year educational and training programme in Coalisland.
~ Wednesday, 11 January 2012

The funding will enable a maximum of 20 students to attend Coalisland Training Services for two afternoons per week. It will allow students to experience taster courses, follow accredited vocational courses and will aim to:

• expand their range of employment opportunities
• lead to a greater retention of students at Key Stage 3
• raise the self esteem / confidence of students
• improve contact with parents; and
• lead to improved integration with students from the travelling community

Nelson McCausland said: “This is good news for young people in Coalisland. The programme will help enhance the levels of educational attainment in the area and
build confidence in pupils.

“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 vulnerable communities. It is vital
that all our children, regardless of background are given the opportunity to achieve their full potential”.

The programme will be delivered through collaboration between the Southern Education and Library Board, St Josephs College and Coalisland Training Services. Study options available will include bricklaying, joinery, hairdressing and beauty.

To date, the total amount of money spent on Neighbourhood Renewal in Coalisland is over £1.8 million.

Notes to editors:

1. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy ‘People and Place’ was published in June 2003 to close the gap between the quality of life for people in the most deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of society.
2. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy has four interlinking strategic objectives:
   Community Renewal – to develop confident communities that are able and committed to improving the quality of life in the areas;
   Economic Renewal – to develop economic activity in the most deprived neighbourhoods and connect them to the wider urban economy;
   Physical Renewal – to help create attractive, safe, and sustainable environments in the most deprived neighbourhoods; and
   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.
3. Media enquiries to DSD Communications 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.