NI Colleges Sign-up To US Co-operation

An international agreement between colleges in the USA and NI-based colleges will lead to better working relationships with the local institutions able to share expertise with their counterparts in the US.

Colleges Northern Ireland (CNI), the body representing regional colleges, has signed the transatlantic deal with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).

The agreement was sealed at the World Congress of Colleges currently taking place in Birmingham.

Outlining aspects of the agreement, the Employment and Learning Minister, Danny Kennedy, said: "The signing of this memorandum represents a significant step in ensuring that the Northern Ireland Further Education Sector continues to build and expand further its international linkages.

"I believe that by co-operating with the AACC, Colleges NI has a unique opportunity to benefit from global best practice, strengthening its position on the world stage.

"A collaboration of the two Associations and their member colleges will further education, life-long learning, student and faculty exchanges," he said.

"Cultivating connections of this magnitude will ensure that the Northern Ireland Further Education sector continues to meet the needs of local communities and prepare for the future," the Ulster Unionist Minister said, noting that, through this memorandum, Colleges NI and AACC will in future be able to share good and innovative practices in teaching and learning and to explore joint activities around shared industry sectors.

It also means they can investigate joint approaches to international development, international markets and accessing associated funds and encourage the commissioning of research to enhance collaborative activities.

(BMcC/GK)