'Opportunity Europe' Fair Opened

The annual Opportunity Europe and Beyond exhibition and fair has been opened at St Georges Market in Belfast.

The fair was opened by Junior Ministers Jonathan Bell and Jennifer McCann and will see the 9th annual exhibition run from Tuesday 16 to Wednesday 17 October.

The event is being put on as a means to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and will offer language tasters, job workshops, drama, quizzes, information stands, music and dance.

Junior Minister Bell said: "The European Union offers many opportunities regardless of age or background and I encourage everyone to take the time to explore all that Europe has to offer. This exhibition provides us all with a chance to learn about the benefits of language, learning, opportunities to travel, study or volunteer in other European countries."

This year's event will also be focussing on the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations.

Junior Minister McCann said: "Inter-generational collaboration is about the sharing of skills and different social experiences to generate two way learning. It can encourage volunteering, the sharing of important cultural traditions, the regeneration of communities and improved social cohesion. This inter-generational aspect is significant because the principle of equality is a key issue for the Executive. Inequalities exist in our society at all levels, affecting all ages, and as an Executive we will continue to work to remove them."

The event is organised by the European Commission and Belfast City Council and admission is free.

Teachers can book workshop places for pupils online. More information can be found on the Belfast City Council Website

(IT)