26/10/2001

European seminar opens for adult education

A European Commission initiative, which aims to improve the quality and scope of adult education across Europe has held its first ever seminar in Northern Ireland.

The Contact Seminar, which promotes lifelong learning partnerships under the Grundtvig 2 Action of the European Union’s Socrates programme, was opened on Friday October 26 by the Minister for Employment and Learning Dr Sean Farren.

Speaking at the event which focused on Basic Skills and attracted over 60 delegates from a range of countries across Europe the Minister for Employment and Learning, Dr Sean Farren, said: “Education opens many doors and many eyes. It is important that we share experience and expertise across Europe in tackling the problem of low literacy and numeracy skills. We can not ignore the implications Basic Skills has for social and economic developments, nor the imperative it places on the Executive and myself as lead Minister to ensure we tackle the issue and improve adult literacy and numeracy.”

The Minister added: “In Northern Ireland tackling poor basic skills is one of the key priorities of the Lifelong Learning agenda and one of the key challenges facing my Department. It is an area I treat with the utmost importance.

“My Department will shortly publish proposals for dealing with basic skills and I will be seeking comments from all those with an interest in the subject.”

Dr Farren concluded by saying: “I am delighted to be involved with this seminar which is an excellent opportunity for countries across Europe to share experience and expertise and work together to develop projects related to Basic Skills.” (AMcE)

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