ERLY PROGRAMME (Education, Reconciliation, Learning for Youth)

The main emphasis of the night was on the young people who had completed this programme which was funded through Peace II and administered by the intermediary funding body YESIP.

The ERLY participants were made up of Year 12 pupils from St. Joseph’s College, St. Patrick’s College and Drumglass High. The programme gave the pupils a rare opportunity to work and learn together while enhancing reconciliation.

As part of the programme the pupils completed several different courses. One of these courses was “Community Relations and Cultural Awareness” delivered by Eithne McCracken and her colleague Adrian from the Youth Service (SELB) who was able to attend and present certificates. The highlight of this course was the day at Todd’s Leap where the participants had the opportunity to drive Landrovers and JCBs as well as Archery.

SPECIAL AWARDS

The manager Richard Thornton called on five pupils to join him on stage. He then said that during the last two years of the ERLY programme some pupils stood out for excellent attendance, some for excellent timekeeping, with some pupils it was their attitude to keep trying and always give their best effort.

Others may have had difficulties to overcome but instead of letting it get them down it seems to make them more determined to succeed we can only admire them.

Some pupils not only did well but showed teamwork skills by helping others around them to do their work as well.

Others not only got the work done but found time to make us smile, laugh and at the end of the day say to ourselves yes this job is worth doing it is rewarding.

He said, “The pupils you have before you are a combination of all the attributes I have mentioned. They have stood out amongst their peers and we want to thank them and give them a token of our appreciation.”

He then presented an MP3 player to each of the pupils;

Robert Dalton and Alison McCurdy (Drumglass High), Michelle Fay and Michaela McCann (St. Patrick’s College), Liam O’Donnell (St. Joseph’s College).

MANAGER

The manager of Coalisland Training Services welcomed everyone to the awards and thanked CRAIC for the use of the beautiful facilities. He recommended those present to come and see a play or show in theatre as they would not be disappointed.

He congratulated everyone on their achievements throughout the year and hoped that many would return to further their training in the future. He then went on to thank the local schools for their support and the tutors and staff of CTS for their dedication over the past 12 months. Richard also took this opportunity to thank Tyrone Brick and Barretts Blocks for their generosity in helping with materials for the young people throughout the year.

Chairman of CTS Mr.