27th April 2016
Aisling Education Bursaries Launched
West Belfast Partnership Board was delighted to launch the 2016 Aisling Bursaries at the Devenish Complex on Wednesday 27th April.
The West Belfast Partnership Board is a broad based social partnership with community, statutory, political and business members who are dedicated to the regeneration of West Belfast. Key areas of work include economic development, housing, planning and environment, health and wellbeing, jobs taskforce, education, neighbourhood renewal and strategic regeneration.
Now in its sixteen the year, the Aisling Bursaries are a community and private sector partnership which highlight the value our businesses and community place on education and training. Through the scheme, business, community enterprise, families and individuals contribute to the Aisling Bursary Fund, making a firm commitment to developing the skills of the local community and enhancing the capacity of young people in West Belfast to achieve their full potential through either vocational training or academic studies.
In total 626 local students have availed of the bursaries since their inception in 2000, with £545,500 having been donated by business, local enterprise, families and individuals. In 2015, 41 bursaries were awarded to students in West Belfast and Shankill, and it is anticipated that 2016 will once again see a large number of applicants.
Guest speaker at this year’s launch was Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Arder Carson said:
“I am delighted to have been asked to officially launch the 2016 Aisling Education Bursary Fund. This fund makes a real difference to our young people; ensuring students from disadvantaged and challenging backgrounds in west Belfast are assisted to take up the opportunity of education and training. I strongly believe our young people hold our city’s creativity and vibrancy in their hands, and it is a positive thing to see young people today gaining a sense of self-discipline and self-esteem through higher education, whether of a vocational or academic qualification”
Also attending the event were Principals from local schools and community educators who Partnership Board CEO, Geraldine McAteer referred to as “the local education champions who lead the vital task of educating and inspiring our children and young people”
Speaking after the event Geraldine Mc Ateer was keen to stress the merits of the Awards:
“West Belfast Partnership Board believes in the fundamental need to put education at the heart of regeneration – a sound education, good training and skills development contribute to the personal development of young people, to their confidence, their sense of fulfilment and personal growth, and to achieving their aspirations and goals in life. But significantly, by acquiring the skills and competencies those modern businesses need, young people will help drive the economy and also local economic and social regeneration”
“The Aisling Bursaries provide significant financial support to young people during lean times and the donations of local businesses, families and organisations who contribute to the Aisling Bursaries, make a real difference to the lives of the young people who receive them. But the value of the Aisling bursaries also lies beyond their significance in financial terms: in acknowledging talent and effort, in supporting young people’s will to pursue higher education, the bursaries give both encouragement and a sense of self-worth to those who receive them. Indeed all of us are best able to reach our potential when we are given heartfelt and sustained encouragement”
2016 Applications are now open and can be downloaded from the West Belfast Partnership Board website www.westbelfast-partnership.com.
Closing Date for applications is 12 Noon on Monday 4th July 2016. All applications must be returned to West Belfast Partnership Board.
Pictured with Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Arder Carson is the Aisling Bursary sponsors which includes O’Hare & McGovern Contracts Manager, Stephen Burke.
