Community groups from across County Armagh celebrated their training success at a certificate presentation ceremony in Brownlow House, Lurgan this evening (22 January 2008).The groups at tonight’s celebration event are among a number of new community associations which have emerged from a community development programme supported by the International Fund for Ireland.The programme, run by the Co. Armagh Grand Orange Lodge Community Development Committee, has been working since 2005 to provide community and good relations training and support for emerging community groups in Co. Armagh and encourage them to develop networks with partners in the voluntary and statutory sectors and provide new services for their local communities.An independent evaluation of the programme has praised the new groups for the consultation with local communities about their needs and the range of community activities delivered in response. These have included historical projects with schools, opportunities for young people which provide them with meaningful activity to keep them off the streets and involvement in community issues such as neighbourhood watch schemes and lobbying for improved play parks. Some of these activities have been cross border and cross community.The programme has also resulted in new partnerships with agencies such as local councils, colleges and potential funders as well as a partnership with ROSA and the Co. Monaghan Community Network. Some of the groups were awarded BTEC Professional Certificates by the Rural Community Network for achievers of its Level 4 Community Capacity Trainers’ Programme.Speaking at the ceremony, Denis Rooney, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland congratulated the community groups on their success: “The groups represented here tonight have worked hard to build their communities, creating opportunities and services which are beginning to benefit everyone in their communities. Their openness and willingness to embrace new challenges and new experiences is to be commended.”Richard Whitten, Chairman of the County Armagh Community Development (CACD) added: “At the start of this year we had over 50 community groups operating in Orange Halls in County Armagh - well exceeding our target. As the 3 year project draws to an end 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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