Weir officially opens new premises for Dreamscheme NI©
Date published:
Education Minister, Peter Weir, has officially opened new office space for Dreamscheme NI©.
Dreamscheme NI is a part-time voluntary youth organisation that helps marginalised and disadvantaged young people become responsible and mature members of society.
The Minister said:
“I welcome the opportunity to be here today to officially open new premises for Dreamscheme NI. The youth organisation provides education and work opportunities for young people who are most at risk in our society.
“The education of our young people can be greatly enhanced through non-formal learning opportunities provided through youth work. Organisations such as Dreamscheme provide a setting where young people can meet, make friends and take part in structured and safe activities, which play a vital role in the wellbeing of their local community.”
During the event the Minister met with some young people and volunteers involved with the organisation, as well as local people who have benefitted from the work of Dreamscheme NI and also unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion.
Continuing, he said:
“Dreamscheme successfully completed an Inclusion programme and received £8,214 from the Education Authority to develop a Buddying Programme with Mencap. In addition, they have also been awarded a further £5,700 to develop a Summer Intervention Programme during July and August. I have no doubt this funding will be put to good use for the benefit of all the young people.”
Concluding the Minister congratulated everyone involved with the organisation and complemented them on their programme of activities. He said:
“I am delighted to see the varied programme on offer, particularly the positive community work projects and educational workshops. I am particularly impressed with the WORK=POINTS=TRIPS programme which is proving very successful. I was particularly impressed with the work that they are doing to break down barriers between generations and help the elderly within our communities. Dreamscheme is helping to transform the communities it serves and I wish the volunteers and the young people well for the future.”
Notes to editors:
- In 2013 the Department published the ‘Priorities for Youth’ policy framework which supports and encourages youth services to provide young people with positive engagement in education and lifelong opportunities.
- The Dreamscheme model is WORK = POINTS = TRIPS. Young people undertake WORK – litter picking, painting over graffiti, making gifts for seniors in the community for which they are rewarded with POINTS. Once enough POINTS have been gained, they can use them to go on TRIPS that they would not normally be able to participate in.
- For media queries, contact the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9701.