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On Thursday, September 10th, 2009 Ballymun Civic Centre transformed into a centre of education and learning as it was host to Ballymun Education Fair. The fair was organised by Ballymun Whitehall Area Partnership and aimed to promote learning, education and training opportunities for both adults and young people of all ages right in the heart of their own community.
The Fair was officially launched by Minister Seán Haughey who highlighted the importance of the event for the area. This was further enhanced by two local women, Virginia Maguire and Yasmin Lee, who spoke about their return to education and how it had changed their lives and furthered their careers.
Visitors enjoyed wandering around 40 displays (click here for a list), with exhibitors from organisations within the local area, and some from further afield. With courses ranging from business studies, computer training and wood-turning to the very exotic art of belly-dancing, there really was something for everyone. Inspired by what was on offer everyone went away armed with plenty of information about how to get involved in education and some people signed up for courses on the day.
One highlight of the day was a guest appearance by former Irish International Ray Houghton soccer pundit and Ambassador for the Football Association of Ireland. His speech outlined the range of education opportunities provided by the Football Association of Ireland from player development to coaching and refereeing badges. Ray emphasised the importance of education. He urged those whose sights are set on a career in football to continue in education first, as the odds of making it as a pro are limited making an education qualification a very important fall back if you are not successful. Ray also spoke to parents visiting the Education Fair reminding them to really support their children to achieve at school, making sure that they get there on time every day, do their homework and stay in school until they have a qualification.
Local people really enjoyed meeting Ray, who was very happy to sign autographs, pose for photos and visit exhibiting organisations. He even found time to display his famous football skills and it is true to say his presence at the fair really was ‘one in the net’ for education in Ballymun!
Throughout the day, visitors to the fair got to watch a variety of demonstrations ranging from First-aid to Pot-Planting. These gave everyone a chance to see exactly what is involved in some of the courses and people went away with new information and some new found skills.
Ballymun Education Fair was a big success.
The Partnership would like to thank the members of their Lifelong Learning Sub Group for organising the event, the 40 organisations who came along for the day to offer education opportunities and advice and the members of the public for visiting the Fair and taking the opportunity to find our more about what’s going on.
Click here for a slideshow of pictures from the Fair >>
Click here for Ballymun Education Fair 2009 poster >>
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