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Brian Kerr, International Manager of the Irish Soccer team officially launched the Ballymun
Partnership Parents Network at the Axis Centre on January 27th 2005. Brian, well known for his success with the Junior and Senior International soccer teams has generously given of his time to support local Ballymun parents to attend an evening of entertainment for the entire family.
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Brian Kerr with some of the kids at the launch of the Ballymun Partnership Parents Network.
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The Parents Network is at the heart of a broader Childcare Network that aims to support the children and young people in Ballymun. It follows the work of the Ballymun Childcare Task Force report and the findings of the Ballymun Partnerships Education Strategy, which identifies early education and childhood development as central to key to happy and successful families. "By providing a support network for parents we are supporting children" says Nirn Coghlan, the Ballymun Partnership Childcare Coordinator.
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Brian kerr is surprised by gift from the Parents Network, a painting commissioned by the Ballymun Community Arts group.
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Brian Kerr visits the children in their workshops.
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The launch was celebrated with Brian Kerr accepting a cheque on behalf of the Ballymun Partnership Parents Network from the main sponsor, DCU. Brian picked out the ticket for the special family prize, dinner for four was sponsored by TGI Friday, while the FAI sponsored four tickets to an International Friendly at Lansdowne Road. Face painting and art/ drama workshops marked the occasion for children aged 4 - 10 years. The Artists in the workshops were assisted by volunteers with educational or childcare qualifations and/or with garda clearance. A crche was organised by staff from Geraldstown House and Ballymun day nursery and Dr Vincent Malony will gave an entertaining talk to parents on the ten commandments of parenting.
An exhibit of national, regional and local parents organisations took place in the foyer and included Parentline, One Family, Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education, National Council Curriculum Assessment, DNW Local Childcare Resource Centre, Read and Write Scheme, The Drop In Well and CAFTA.
The Ballymun Partnership Parents Network began the process of developing an area based parents strategy last December. A Brochure has been produced outlining what parents say they need to support their families. In it they say they need:
- parent support groups
- support with their and their childrens education
- better information services
- a range of quality, affordable services for children and young people.
Over forty people gave of their time freely in supporting the Parents Network. This is recognition of the important role of parents.
The Parents Network believes that Working in partnership with parents is an essential component in delivering a quality service and childcare strategy. Through the Parents Network there are now two parents representatives on the Ballymun Partnership Childcare Working Group.
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Brian kerr with Michael Rogers, Declan Talbot winner of the special family prize and his brother Connor.
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The Ballymun Partnership Parents Network wishes to acknowledge the kind support of Dublin City
University, Dublin City Council, Axis Art Team, Dept of Family and Social Affairs and the Ballymun Partnership.
For more information contact:
Nirn Coghlan, Childcare Coordinator
Ballymun Partnership
Ballymun Town Centre
Dublin 11
Phone 01 582 39522
E-mail: ncoghlan@ballymun.org.
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