16/03/2006

Cash boost for learners in north Belfast

The Department for Social Development (DSD) has awarded a grant to the Ashton Community Trust, to enable people in the New Lodge area in North Belfast to gain basic computer skills.

The DSD's Belfast Regeneration Office has provided £42,556 from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund to the Trust, which offers classes four nights a week and will enable around 160 people to take part in the certified computer courses.

The Trust also operates a drop-in centre, which last year provided advice to over 1700 people on education, training and employment opportunities and progression routes.

Speaking earlier today Social Development Minister David Hanson, said: "Ensuring that people who live in deprived areas have access to services and opportunities which make for a better quality of life and prospects for them and their families is a key goal of the Government's Neighbourhood Renewal strategy."

The Minister said that the Ashton Community Trust would help to build the self-esteem of people with poor numeracy and literacy, and added that the funding would also assist those who may have left school with few or no qualifications, and people with no computer experience to get the skills they need to find employment.

(EF/SP)

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