Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs and Special Envoy to Northern Ireland, Paula Dobriansky met some of the youngest beneficiaries of the International Fund for Ireland’s work in Northern Ireland today.Dr Dobriansky and Denis Rooney, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland visited Young Enterprise to meet some of the participants in the International Fund supported KEY (Knowledge through Enterprise for Youth) Programme, which brings together 14-16 year olds from marginalised communities on both sides of the border to teach them enterprise and entrepreneurial skills. Among those meeting Dr Dobriansky were students who were selected on the basis of their exceptional entrepreneurial skills for a trip to the Canadian Junior Achievement Conference, to be held in Montreal this August.In addition, Dr Dobriansky and Mr Rooney also visited Youth Action’s new premises in Belfast. The multi-million pound facility, which was part funded by the International Fund, provides support services for thousands of disadvantaged and socially excluded young people in a genuinely cross-community venue. Dr Dobriansky said: “Since my appointment as Special Envoy to Northern Ireland I have heard a lot about the valuable role that the International Fund for Ireland has played in building peace and prosperity throughout the island.  The United States has been contributing to the IFI since its inception in 1986 and it is encouraging to see some of their funded projects in action.” “Groups like Young Enterprise are giving young people the essential skills that will help them make a valuable contribution to their communities.  The Knowledge Through Enterprise Youth (KEY) scheme is an excellent example of how young people from diverse backgrounds can interact and learn from each other.” (more….)Speaking at today’s visit, Denis Rooney, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland said: “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to show Dr Dobriansky some of the work in which the International Fund for Ireland is involved in supporting. Both of the project we have visited today are strong examples of how the Fund is working to create opportunities for young people from different backgrounds to come together, exchange views and learn from each other. Ultimately the work we are investing in now is part of our commitment to building a sustainable and lasting peace for everyone in our society.“We could not continue to fund projects such as Youth Action and KEY without the support of our international donors, particularly the US and Dr Dobriansky’s visit provides us with an excellent opportunity to express our appreciation of this support.”

Click here to download press release: 214.50 Kb