May 15, 2009

A new €450,000 extension to the Youthreach Centre in Kingscourt has been officially opened by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mr. Brendan Smith, T.D.

 

Minister Smith paid a warm tribute to Co. Cavan VEC Chairman and Fianna Fáil County Councillor, Clifford Kelly for his commitment to the project, as well as CEO Colm McEvoy and his staff for their work in getting the extension completed.

 

The extension to the centre which caters for up to 30 learners doing FETAC courses, was funded by the Department of Education and Science and consists of a new general purpose classroom and four practical workshop rooms. The workshops cater for metal work, wood work, ceramics, hairdressing and beauty therapy. The centre also includes a new fitness room.

 

According to Minister Smith, the Youthreach Programme is one of the most effective measures in  combating educational disadvantage and social exclusion for those whom mainstream second level education did not work. “The newly extended centre here in Kingscourt is an ideal environment to help these young learners to achieve both personal and academic goals and progress to further employment or further education and training”, he said.

 

Concluding, Minister Smith complimented Centre Co-ordinator Sean Corcoran and his dedicated team of staff, who he said were central to making this second chance educational service in Kingscourt, such a success.

 

He also congratulated warmly the learners who were receiving certificates and wished them well in their future endeavours.

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