Minister Michael Kitt announces increased funding for WorldWise -the Irish Aid School Linking and Immersion Scheme

Michael Kitt TD, Minister for Overseas Development, today announced increased funding for WorldWise, the Irish Aid Schools Linking and Immersion Scheme in the Irish Aid Volunteering and Information Centre, O’Connell St, Dublin.

WorldWise provides funding to second-level schools and colleges that are involved in immersion and linking projects with partner schools or organisations in developing countries. The programme raises awareness of development issues among Irish students, teachers and the wider community and reinforces development education within the post-primary curriculum. Over €500,000 will be spent on the Scheme this year.

Increased funding this year will see the introduction of additional financial support for Irish schools designated as disadvantaged. Reciprocal visits from partner teachers will now also be supported. Speaking at the launch Minister Kitt said:

“I believe that learning with each other, about each other and from each other is at the heart of every successful partnership. WorldWise supports the development and nurturing of such school partnerships built on the principles of equality, mutuality and reciprocity.”

It is administered by Léargas, the National Agency for Exchange and Cooperation Programmes, on behalf of Irish Aid. A series of information workshops on the scheme is currently underway. The deadline for applications for grant funding is 04 April 2008.

Further information on WorldWise is available at www.irishaid.gov.ie/worldwise

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Press

7/02/08