Young people see opportunities in Europe

Culture Minister Nelson McCausland has opened the Opportunity Europe fair and exhibition at St George’s Market, Belfast.

Speaking at the event the Minister said: “Opportunity Europe has a great and varied programme with lots of hands on activities and workshops to enthuse young people to explore the use of other European languages.

“It is vital that we encourage our young people to learn foreign languages in order to prepare them for life in the global economy and Opportunity Europe makes an important contribution to this.

“This event is also an excellent way to promote a greater understanding of European culture and tradition. It is important to show that as a community, we welcome cultural diversity and appreciate how our lives, and our society, can be enriched by learning from and embracing different cultures.

“I am pleased that this year Opportunity Europe has embraced creativity and innovation as one of its themes, as 2009 is designated as the European Year of Creativity and Innovation.”

The Minister thanked the European Commission Office in Belfast and Belfast City Council for organising the event, which is open to all post primary schools in Northern Ireland. Last year some 3,000 young people attended the two day event.

Notes to Editors:

1. Opportunity Europe is organised by the European Commission Office in Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council and supported by a Steering Group which includes representatives from the Northern Ireland Centre for Information and Language Teaching (CILT), the British Council, OFMDFM, DCAL, the Volunteer Development Agency, NI Council of the European Movement and the Bryson Group.

2. Opportunity Europe will take place from 10.00am to 2.00pm on 20 and 21 October in St George’s Market, Belfast. The annual fair and exhibition provides students, teachers and the general public with the chance to learn about the benefits of language learning and the opportunities to work, study, travel or volunteer in other European countries. The programme includes language tasters, job workshops, drama, table quizzes, information stands, music and dance.

3. This year’s event is designated as part of the celebrations of the European Year of Creativity and Innovation (2009) and is the local event associated with Open Days 2009: European Week of Regions and Cities.

4. Media enquiries to DCAL Press Office on 028 9051 5047 or email: press.office@dcalni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.