IFI awards almost half a million to Cavan projects
The International Fund for Ireland (IFI) has committed €3.9M to 19 community projects - including almost half a million for projects in Cavan and Monaghan.
The funding, approved at the organisation’s recent board meeting in County Louth, includes more than €2.9M in the area of Personal Youth Development Programmes (PYDPs). These initiatives assist young people to take better control of their lives, reengage in training and avoid being drawn into criminal or sectarian activity.
The remaining funding has been allocated across four projects in the Peace Impact Programme (PIP), which assists marginalised communities to resolve complex issues relating to identity and the conflict.
Personal Youth Development Programme
In Cavan, a total of €265,535 was allocated to FOCUS Family Resource Centre to extend and expand the ‘Focussing on Your Future’ project for two years in the west Cavan area taking in Killeshandra, Milltown and Belturbet. This extension will enable 15 existing and 15 new participants, all aged between 16 and 25 years, to access a variety of advancement opportunities including employability and skills development activities.
Meanwhile, across counties Cavan and Monaghan, €200,819 has been granted to Youth Work Ireland Cavan/Monaghan to expand the ‘Let’s Get Ready’ project in south east Cavan and Castleblaney for two years. Participants will be supported and guided into tailored good relations, personal development and employability programmes designed to assist them to gain skills and knowledge that can improve their lives. The project will offer advanced support for 18 current participants and enrol an additional 10 people at foundation level.
In neighbouring County Fermanagh, the Fermanagh Sports and Cultural Awareness Association has been awarded £217,063 (€260,475) to extend and expand the ‘Fermanagh Positive Youth Outlooks’ project for two years. The project provides young people, 16-25 years, with opportunities to access bespoke learning, skills and employment opportunities with a central focus on good relations and preparation for the world of work.
The Chairman took the opportunity to thank the international donors to the Fund - the European Union and the Governments of the United States of America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand - for their support.
Further information about all the beneficiaries from the International Fund for Ireland’s latest funding package is available at the International Fund for Ireland’s website.
About the International Fund for Ireland
The International Fund for Ireland is an independent, international organisation established by the Irish and British Governments in 1986. The Fund’s main objectives are to promote economic and social advance and encourage contact, dialogue and reconciliation between Unionists and Nationalists throughout Ireland.
Since its inception, the Fund has committed more than £728m/€914m to a wide variety of projects in Northern Ireland and the southern border counties of Ireland. Developing and funding initiatives that tackle segregation and promote integration to build a lasting peace in Northern Ireland and the southern border counties is a key priority for the Fund.