Lifelong learning at the heart of Executive’s programme

The Stormont Minister for Employment and Learning, Carmel Hanna has emphasised the need to have active partnerships in the drive toward lifelong learning.

Speaking during her visit to staff and trainees at the Centre of Learning on the Ormeau Road, Carmel Hanna said: “Encouraging and supporting a culture of lifelong learning is at the very heart of the Executive’s Programme for Government. It is essential that all our people have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills, including literacy and numeracy, in this fast-moving technology driven and knowledge based economy.”

The Belfast Centre of Learning was re-opened during 2001, following a major investment by the Company. It offers work preparation training and help to young people under the Jobskills programme, and for adults under New Deal and the Worktrack programmes

Speaking on Wednesday April 10 Mrs Hanna said: “I have been particularly impressed by the level of professionalism and dedication displayed by the staff of the Belfast Centre of Learning. It is evident that the needs of the learners as individuals, whether young people or adults, are the driving force behind the Centre’s ethos and I congratulate all concerned.”

The Minister was welcomed to the Centre, operated by Hugh J O’Boyle Training Ltd, by John Carson MBE. The Company also runs a similar Centre in Downpatrick.

Earlier, Carmel Hanna visited the Mornington Community Project Ltd on the Ormeau Road, where Ken Humphrey, the Project’s Director, gave her a conducted tour of the complex. During a presentation on its work, he also detailed the on-going impact the Centre was having on the lives of the people from the lower Ormeau Road area. (AMcE)