Minister Conor Lenihan announces scheme to promote links between schools in Ireland and developing countries
Irish schools will forge new partnerships with schools in developing countries under a scheme announced today, by Conor Lenihan TD, Minister of State for Irish Aid and Human Rights.
The Irish Aid Schools Linking and Immersion Scheme will provide advice and grant funding to Irish secondary schools to forge links with schools in developing countries. It will be run by Léargas, the National Agency for Exchange and Cooperation Programmes, on behalf of Irish Aid.
The scheme will also offer advice and support to schools undertaking visits to developing countries. These visits will give students (aged over 15) and teachers first-hand experience of life in a developing country.
Minister Lenihan made the announcement at Saint Mark’s
“By making connections with young people in developing countries and learning about their lives, Irish students will gain a broader understanding of global development and the contribution they can make through their schools and communities.
Under the scheme, young Irish people will have the chance to see for themselves and to learn from what they see. Visiting a developing country can be an especially enriching experience, and we want to support schools in encouraging this.”
The school partnerships will involve communication and contact between teachers and students in
Minister Lenihan praised the work of the Irish Coalition for the Global Campaign for Education in highlighting the education needs of developing countries in schools throughout
Information for teachers and students on the Schools Linking and Immersion Scheme is available at www.irishaid.gov.ie. An information campaign, inviting applications for grant funding, will commence shortly.
Information on the Action Week of the Global Campaign for Education is available at www.campaignforeducation.ie
ENDS +++
24th April 2007
Press Office
Top
