Speaking today at the AMMA Centre in the City, the Minister said: “The Creative Learning Centres in Armagh, Londonderry and at Crossnacreevy are all doing fantastic work in helping to draw out the creative talent of our young people.
“Creativity is putting the fun back into learning as children embrace digital technology and new ways of expressing themselves. The purpose of the DVD is to spread the word about the centres to other organisations so that they too can get involved.”
Congratulating those involved in the DVD, the Minister said: “Bluebird Media, who produced the DVD, have done an excellent job of capturing the essence of what Creative Learning Centres are doing.
“I have no doubt that young people who see the DVD will want to have a go at composing, performing or recording music using digital technologies. Or they might want to try out their skills in graphic design, web design and animation! It’s an exciting way to learn and there is plenty to choose from.”
The Minister continued: “The job of creative learning centres is to awaken latent talent in our young people. By developing individual’s self-confidence and communication skills, new career paths are opened up and, as a result, the Northern Ireland economy becomes more robust and successful.
“The Digital Futures DVD is the building block in this process and I’m sure it will make a valuable contribution in promoting the work of the three Creative Learning Centres.”
The DVD was commissioned by Northern Ireland Screen with funding of £20,000 from the Children and Young People’s Fund. Its aim is to develop the reach and impact of Northern Ireland’s three Creative Learning Centres and to highlight the type of work being delivered through the Children and Young People’s Fund.
During his visit the Minister met staff and saw how the various programmes are delivered, including a youth music project, animation project and the making of a short film.
Earlier in the day Mr Poots visited Armagh Observatory, Armagh Planetarium and the city’s library, all of which are funded by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
The main target audience for the DVD are schools and youth groups but it is also appropriate for wider use in highlighting the type of work being delivered through the Children and Young People’s Fund.
As a result of funding, programmes at the three Northern Ireland creative learning centres have been expanded to attract groups that have not previously been involved with this type of learning, for example, hard to reach groups, young people attending Education Other Than at School (EOTAS) programmes or Alternative Education Programmes (AEP) and young people involved with the juvenile justice system.
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