Community groups from the Orange Community Network (OCN) who participated in a community capacity building programme funded by the International Fund for Ireland, celebrated the success of the Programme and individual achievements at an awards ceremony in Brownlow House, Lurgan on Tuesday 10 February 2009.The groups at tonight’s event are among a number of new community associations which have emerged from a three-year community development programme delivered by the OCN and funded by the International Fund for Ireland.The Programme commenced in 2005 to provide training and support for emerging community groups across Northern Ireland.  The OCN also encourages the groups to develop partnerships in the voluntary and statutory sectors to provide new services for their local communities in existing Orange Halls.Speaking at the ceremony, Anne Henderson, International Fund for Ireland Board Member said: “I would like to congratulate all the community groups who participated in this ground-breaking community development programme and in particular I would like to congratulate the individual and group award winners at tonight’s awards ceremony. I am delighted that the Programme was such a success; the Fund is very keen to support programmes and projects that help to underpin peace building efforts, create conditions where communities can flourish and grow, enhance social advance and reconciliation throughout the island of Ireland.“The vision shown by the ONC and commitment of programme participants should be applauded”.Drew Nelson, Chairman of the Orange Community Network added: “We are delighted to have this opportunity to showcase these hard working community groups. “Since the programme was launched, 563 people have completed various training courses through OCN in the geographic target areas of County Antrim, East Londonderry, Tyrone and Fermanagh, a figure which well exceeds our target. Coincidentally, since the programme was launched 482 grants have been made from various sources to groups which meet in Orange Halls. I would like to thank all the staff from the OCN for their hard work and commitment to this programme and to the International Fund for Ireland for their support.”“As the programme draws to a close we look forward to continued growth and confidence building among the communities and urge all the groups represented here tonight to continue the good work.”

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