Ritchie announces funding for Coalisland schools

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA, today announced a funding boost for Primate Dixon Primary School and St Joseph’s College in Coalisland.

Nearly £9,000 funding was secured for the ‘Adopt a School’ project which focuses on links between business and education. The programme will allow younger people from Primate Dixon Primary School to avail of programmes including ‘Time to Count, ‘Time to Read’. Older children from St Joseph’s College will receive job preparation advice as well as work experience opportunities.

The programme will be delivered by Business in the Community with the help of local companies and key business contacts.

Margaret Ritchie said: “I am pleased to support this funding in the Coalisland Neighbourhood Renewal Area. The Adopt a School project plays a key role in ensuring that the children in this area have the chance to improve skills and educational attainment. It will also help build valuable relationships between the schools and local business.

“The project will give pupils the opportunity to develop their qualifications and skills required to choose and follow a career path to employment in local industry.”

The project will operate until 30 June 2010.

Notes to editors:

1. Business in the Community (BitC) is a unique movement in the UK and Ireland of 800 member companies, almost 250 of which are in Northern Ireland. Their purpose is to inspire, engage, support and challenge companies to continually improve the impact they have on society.
2. Media enquires to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9496. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.