Visit of Sir Reg Empey, MLA and Minister for Learning and Employment to North- West Lifelong Learning Association, Limavady on Wednesday 1st April.

Sir Reg Empey visited the premises of North West Lifelong Learning Association based at Irish Green Street, Limavady, which is more commonly known locally as NWLLA, on a fact-finding mission. Mr. George Robinson MLA on behalf of the DUP. arranged this visit.

The Minister had previously met with Mrs.Betty McNerlin, Centre Manager and other NWLLA staff at a recent Job Fair in Portrush and was very interested in the work they were doing in the Limavady area. He was keen to learn of the nature of the training carried out through NWLLA associated partners BCW in Ballycastle and Community Focused Learning in Portglenone.

The Skills4Service Programme was of particular interest to him. This programme is free and available to anyone over the age of 18 and actively seeking employment. Over 100 local people in Limavady took advantage of the Programme which covers computer skills, literacy and numeric skills and the newly developed electronic based NVQ’s.

The Minister saw at first hand the ongoing work in a new extension which will comprise of 3 additional classrooms when completed. This extra capacity for those wishing to learn new skills or retrain will be a welcome addition to learners within Limavady and surrounding areas.

He congratulated NWLLA on having the confidence to invest in the new premises, at the same time provide extra motivation and opportunities for those out of work, and keen to return to the work place.

The Minister was keen to encourage the staff of NWLLA to keep developing their ideas on training and congratulated them on their efforts to date.

He was very keen to stress in an open message to those who find themselves unemployed or who wanted to gain new skills that they should visit NWLLA and see for themselves what is on offer.

His final message was directed at those in work who wanted to improve their qualifications and their CV. In his opinion now is the ideal time to take advantage of training as an upturn in employment will surely come and those best trained will be in poll position for key jobs.

That’s the last time we doing anything like that… With Betty away to run a marathon… I bet that’s what some of the female members of NWLLA staff where thinking after the males arranged for them to spend Friday 13th overnight in a hunted hospital in Limavady. It was arranged as payback for the leg, head and chest waxing which took place last November. It was however for a good cause to help raise funds for Comic Relief. And yes it is haunted, believe me!!

The Interview on BBC Radio Ulster is now online!! Check out the website www.nwlla.org

The WELB's Youth Service has joined forces with the Northwest Lifelong Learning Association (NWLA) and the PSNI to deliver essential training to part time voluntary youth workers on 'online' protection and safety of young people who use the Internet and mobile phones.

The District Policing Partnership (DPP) has also put its weight behind the initiative. In partnership with the WELB Youth Service, it provided sponsorship for a major launch of CEOP training to the youth service, which was attended by 40 part time voluntary youth workers and volunteers from Limavady & Rural Foyle, on Tuesday, 3 March 2009, in Drummond Hotel, Ballykelly.

Michael Coyle, Chairman of Limavady DPP and member of the WELB/SELB Join Youth Committee said: "Whether on a computer at school, at a youth club or at home, young people are increasingly accessing the Internet. This training will help young people make sensible and informed choices so they can get the most out of the Internet and stay safe whilst doing so." He added: "Youth Workers are well placed to reinforce this message and I am delighted to see a partnership initiative being launched that compliments the work being carried out by other agencies."

Ann McCausland, WELB Area Youth Officer, explained that this training is being provided at the request of part time youth workers who want to ensure that they are fully equipped to provide a safe youth club environment. She thanked the DPP, Ian McGregor PSNI and Peter Boyle NWLLA."The partnership approach to delivery means that a greater number of youth groups can be visited and training provided on the ground to both youth workers and young people." She said

Peter Boyle, Online Services Manager at Northwest Lifelong Learning Association praised the initiative, adding: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with the WELB Youth Service and PSNI to promote online safety and education in what is an ever-changing environment for children and young adults."

These sentiments are echoed by Ian McGregor, Community and Schools Involvement Officer, PSNI. He said: "This partnership approach is designed to ensure that young people's experiences are positive ones enabling the young people to become more risk aware when online".

Dolores O'Kane, Benedy Youth Club, concluded: "It is essential that in this fast moving world, youth workers keep abreast of developments through awareness training. This is an excellent initiative which is warmly welcomed by all the part time youth workers in the area."