State-Of-The-Art Resource Centre Opened In Newry

A new £1.2m state-of-the-art youth resource centre has been officially opened by Education Minister John O'Dowd.

At the opening of the facility at Carnbane in Newry, the Minister said: "Children and young people are instrumental to building a peaceful, stable and prosperous future for us all. I want all young people to have access to a wide range of opportunities and to have the appropriate support to enable them to build their skills and confidence and to realise their full potential. This will allow them to play an active role in our diverse and rapidly changing society.

"Youth organisations provide a setting where young people and indeed others can meet, make friends and take part in structured activities in a safe environment. I am confident that facilities such as this will provide the setting where children and young people can continue to grow and develop."

The Centre will offer a range of programmes for young people and youth workers in well-equipped premises with modern equipment. The external facilities include an amphitheatre and canopy for group work or performances and a series of team challenges located around the perimeter of the site.

Continuing, the Minister said: "Last year I published Priorities for Youth, which sets out the policy framework for youth work in education. Looking forward, this is an exciting time for the youth sector which I believe will continue to make a real difference by improving educational and lifelong outcomes for our young people."

The Minister concluded by thanking everyone involved in bringing the new centre to fruition and all those who contributed to Priorities for Youth. He said: "I know that many of you may have inputted in various ways to the development of Priorities for Youth and I would like to thank you for your valuable contribution which helped develop and finalise the document.  

"I also commend the personal commitment of all those involved in youth work at this centre. Your dedication and hard work has impacted on the lives of so many young people. I am confident this fantastic new facility will make a significant difference and will be very much appreciated by the young people in the area."

(MH/JP)