The International Fund for Ireland, Tuath, and Border Action celebrated the achievements of the Donegal Centres for Learning Project at an event in Ballybofey, Co. Donegal, today. This innovative project was established in 2006 to bring the opportunity of education to local communities in Donegal and contribute to the development of social and economic sustainability in rural areas. In 2006, Tuath applied to the International Fund for Ireland and Border Action to establish the five ‘Centres for Learning.’ The IFI committed €226k into the project. The centres chosen were established community enterprise centres in their own right and are spread throughout the county of Donegal: Áislann Chill Chartha; Clonmany Youth and Community Resource; Ionad Teampall Chróine, An Clochán Liath; St Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre; Tirhugh Resource Centre, Ballyshannon. Each of these centres has undergone a training programme in order to deliver a range of community development courses. To date, 13 courses have been delivered in the centres and 245 participants have availed of the training. At the showcase event, Pat the Cope Gallagher T.D. Minister of State for Health and Children said: “I am delighted that the International Fund for Ireland and Border Action have both supported such a worthwhile project as the Centres of Learning. The concept of the community being a key stakeholder in the learning process is very impressive. Through learning in this way, people can come to make a real contribution to their own communities and participate in local and national democratic processes. People can engage in many different aspects of life and at many different levels.”Paddy Harte, Development Officer, International Fund for Ireland, said: “I am delighted to be here on behalf of the International Fund for Ireland, at the launch of this very impressive showcase event to recognise all the social entrepreneurs here today and to celebrate the very innovative work which you are doing. Since its inception, the Fund has committed more than €850 million to a wide variety of projects in Northern Ireland and the border counties, including a significant number here in Donegal.”Also speaking at today’s event was Chairman of Tuath, PJ Molloy, who said: “The success of the Centres of Learning programme is testament to the commitment and excellence of the community organizations taking part.  They have embraced this project with enthusiasm and energy.  It shows that the local people in rural areas who might not have had the chance for learning are interested and have responded with their feet.”

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