Youthlink the largest provider of training courses for youth workers in Northern Ireland has opened new premises in Belfast.The Church of Ireland has run youth work courses in conjunction with Youthlink for several years. Many of the church’s youth leaders have benefited from Youthlink training and some have gone on to the Centre for Youth Ministry degree offered by Youthlink in conjunction with Belfast Bible College.
At the opening Bishop Michael Jackson represented the Church of Ireland. Also present were the four Church of Ireland representatives on the board of Directors of Youthlink, Andrew Brannigan, Youth Officer Down and Dromore; Sharon Hamill, Church of Ireland Youth Department; David Cavan, Youth Officer Derry Diocese; and Peter Hamill, Training Co-ordinator Connor Diocese.
The building was opened by David Graham, Board Member of the International Fund for Ireland which contributed £975,000 to the project. It was dedicated on behalf of the four churches by the Rev Norman Hamilton, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
Senior government officials were also present including Alex Attwood, Minister for Social Development and Catriona Ruane, Minister for Education.
Bishop Michael commented, “The enthusiasm and vitality which surrounded the Official Opening of Youthlink’s new premises in Belfast was infectious. Not only were members of the churches present in good numbers but the involvement of Ministers from strategic departments in Stormont added another whole dimension as did the participation of young people who have been part of Youthlink’s Programmes to date.”
He continued: “I wish Youthlink every success as it models an openness to the future in the Northern Ireland which we all want for our young people.”