10/12/2001

McGuinness helps launch anthology by local teachers

Education Minister, Martin McGuinness, attended the launch of ‘Snow in Summer’, an anthology of prose and poetry written by teachers who have participated in the Pushkin Prizes Trust’s summer school programme, over the past nine years.

Speaking at the launch at the Verbal Arts Centre in Derry, Mr McGuinness said: “Raising standards in schools is one of my key objectives and I know this is shared by the Assembly. We must give our young people, irrespective of their backgrounds or circumstances, the best possible opportunity to develop their literacy and numeracy skills so that they are properly prepared for the transition to adult life.”

The Minister concluded by paying tribute to the Trust. He said: “It is encouraging for me as Education Minister that the Pushkin Prizes Trust has developed a diverse range of programmes which aim to raise literacy standards and which provide a learning opportunity, for children and teachers alike, in a less formal environment.”

The Pushkin Prizes Trust, a literacy project, was established in 1987 by the Duchess of Abercorn.

The main aim of the Trust is to provide opportunities for children and teachers from all communities in Ireland jointly to explore their own creativity and express this through the written word and other art forms. (CD)

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