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Ribbon cut at Malin Head Community
Centre
16.07.12
A DAY of celebration
marked the launch on Saturday of Malin Head
Community Development Programme and the official
opening of the local community centre.
More than 150 local residents and community
representatives turned out for the ribbon cutting
ceremony at the centre which celebrates its 100th
anniversary this year.
The community development programme is primarily
funded by the International Fund for Ireland (IFI)
and its aim is to develop the community centre as a
"shared space", bringing together communities from
Malin Head and surrounding areas through a range of
activities.
Courses on parenting skills and healthy eating,
after-school clubs and a programme to re-integrate
isolated elderly people into their community and
establish community roots for the younger generation
are among the initiatives being funded. A performing
arts programme will also help develop and showcase
young local talent in music, song and dance. The
programme is to be administered by the Malin Head
Community Association with IFI funding of some
€102,000. Meanwhile, Malin Head Community Centre was
recently renovated with support from Pobal and
Leader to include an exhibition/heritage space,
craft centre and coffee shop. |
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International Fund for Ireland
chairman, Dr. Adrian Johnston, pictured at the
opening of the Malin Head Community Centre on
Saturday with IFI programme manager, Mary Devlin and
local residents, Kathleen Devlin, Michael Doherty
and Annie Coffey. |
Community Association
chairman, Robert Farren said: “In essence, it’s
about building something sustainable by bringing
people, both young and old, together from across the
community to work toward a shared future. The centre
is ideally placed as a driver for economic and
social inclusion, building inter-cultural bridges
and showcasing the immense local talent – not only
in music but in crafts and art.
"To that end we’ll be hosting cultural events
throughout the year and setting up a crafters' co-op
which will see some of the older generation sharing
and teaching their talents in weaving and spinning,
knitwear and lace-making so that some of these
traditional arts don’t die out.” IFI chairman, Dr
Adraian Johnston added: "By developing sustainable
support structures for local communities in Malin
Head and the surrounding areas, the project will
assist in efforts to promote social inclusion and
encourage understanding and relationship building.
We believe this project will have a very positive
impact for reconciliation in Inishowen and the wider
cross-border hinterland by promoting greater
cross-community links.” For more photos of the event
click here . |
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