O’Dowd visits Xtreme FM, Craigavon
Date published:
Education Minister John O’Dowd has visited Xtreme FM in Craigavon.
Xtreme FM is a cross-community youth radio station run by the Education Authority Youth Service. Based in the Brownlow Resource Centre in Craigavon, Xtreme FM started in 1999 for three weeks, and has broadcast every year since. The four month training project involving 22 young people is broadcasting until the 19 of February on 104 FM in the wider Craigavon area.
Speaking as he visited Xtreme FM the Minister said:
“The project encourages the development of personal skills that enable young people to participate fully in their community. Since it started over 650 young people have benefitted and for some this experience has allowed them to progress into media studies and careers in the media and youth sectors.
“I really enjoyed seeing behind the scenes at Xtreme FM which helped me understand how such hard work and dedication can make a big difference to those who take part but also to the local listeners across the Craigavon area. I hope all goes well with the broadcasting over the next few weeks and I wish all of the young people involved well with their future studies and careers.”
Notes to editors:
1. Xtreme FM is a Youth Engagement Project which brings young people aged 14 -19 years from the Neighbourhood Renewal areas within the greater Craigavon area together to explore issues relating to them and other young people.
2. The Department of Education’s ‘Education Works’ campaign encourages families to play, talk, read and count with their child and to ‘Get Involved Because Education Works’. 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 - Education Works for more information or watch the TV ad on the Department’s YouTube channel.
3. See photos from the Department of Education in our flickr collection.
4. 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.