Minister seeks to encourage leadership potential

MINISTER of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment, Dr Sean Farren has spoken out about the need to encourage the development of leadership potential in the young people of Northern Ireland.

Speaking at the International Association of Methodist-related Schools, Colleges and Universities Conference (IAMSCU), the Minister said: "In partnership with my Department, IAMSCU - through the Business Education Initiative - have helped shape young peoples’ lives at a crucial stage in the history of Northern Ireland. This partnership which has positive benefits for young people provides a working example of how we can learn from each other, exchange ideas and develop best practice models.

"We want to create in the young people of Northern Ireland the potential to become the leaders of the future. We can do this by encouraging them to look beyond our shores to learn from others – and by encouraging them to examine their own attitudes and outlooks."

Dr Farren went on to stress the important of the provision of educational assistance to those who have been denied such access in the past, including young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, long term unemployed, travellers and the disabled.

"A strong economy will assist with the development of a peaceful and just society,” he added. “It is therefore essential to retain a clear focus on how effectively our education initiatives embrace the needs of industry in Northern Ireland. The fusion of these two crucially important themes holds the key to a peaceful and economically successful future for Northern Ireland." (CL)