Education Minister John O’Dowd welcomes progress on The Greater Shankill Children & Young People Zone

The Zone was launched in September 2014 by the Greater Shankill Community Convention and received the endorsement of several Executive Departments.

Commenting following today’s meeting, Minister O’Dowd said:

“One year on from the launch of the Greater Shankill Children & Young People Zone, I’m delighted to see how much progress has been made and in particular the buy-in from the community and the support received from others including Queen’s University, Belfast.

It is very encouraging to see the commitment shown by the Greater Shankill Community Convention to improve the life chances of children and young people in the Greater Shankill area. Ministers and their departments have a role to play but so much more can be achieved when a community itself takes the lead.

 It is well known that schools need the support of parents and communities if they are to ensure that young people are supported to achieve to their full potential. We know how much difference this support can make and that is why I launched my Department’s Education Works campaign, which focuses on encouraging parents to get involved in their children’s education. I commend the Greater Shankill Community on the progress they have made and I am happy to continue to lend my support to their work to improve the lives of children in their community and beyond.”

Notes to editors: 

1. The Department of Education’s ‘Education Works’ campaign promotes the value of education. This year’s campaign aims to ensure that parents have information on schooling and that they are aware of the steps they can take to ‘Get Involved’ and support their teenager in achieving good outcomes at school. Watch out for the ads on television, radio and outdoor locations. The campaign highlights the vital role families can play in helping children do well at school and improve their life chances. Visit nidirect for more information or watch the TV ad on the Department’s YouTube channel 
2. See photos from the Department of Education in our Flickr collection
3. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Tel: 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 99 715 440, and your call will be returned.

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