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The Cork Lifelong Learning Festival which is running for the 6th year was celebrated yesterday in the QDS, Cope Foundation, Vicar's Road, Togher. The Lord Mayor was on hand to open the day's proceedings and he stressed the importance of education and training in the current economic downturn. The festival is the only one of its kind in Ireland and it highlights the variety of learning opportunities available in Cork City across all age groups, interests and abilities. Local organisations had information stands at the event. They included Money & Advice Budgeting Service (MABS) which is a free, confidential and independent service for people in debt or in danger of getting into debt. Also supporting the event was The Lough Credit Union which serves the Lough and Togher parishes. Pat Coughlan, Manager of The Lough Credit Union had this to say "We feel it is important to support these events as one of our mains aims is to educate our members and potential members in our common bond area" The event was enjoyed by all participants that took part, especially the children of the Cope Foundation who had an Aerobics lesson and watched a cookery demonstration. The Festival will build on the success of previous years, with over 200 free events taking place across the city in a variety of venues among them shopping centres, libraries, colleges, community and resource centres, schools, sports grounds, parks and museums. All festival events are free. Details of events can be obtained from www.corkcity.ie/learningfestival The festival promotes and celebrates learning of all kinds and is organised by the Learning Forum, set up under the Cork City Development Board to address the key theme of Cork as a City of Learning. The Festival is supported financially by the City of Cork VEC, Cork City Council, FETAC (Further Education and Training Awards Council), Ballyphehane Credit Union, Bishopstown Credit Union, O'Callaghan Properties, FAS, CIT and media partners The Evening Echo & 96FM. |
