Education and Development Programs

in Ireland, North and South

The following is a selection of programs the Partnership supports:

South Kerry Science Teaching Program

With the help of a generous Partnership member, we have initiated a science awareness program in 15 South Kerry primary schools in conjunction with the Irish Department of Education and Science and Dublin City University. The Program focuses on the scientific process of experimentation and investigation as a method of helping children learn how to think critically about a wide variety of issues. The emphasis on process is a well endorsed direction taken in developed educational systems throughout the world and in the United States.

Galway, Mayo & Donegal Science Teaching Program Expansion

Through the success of the South Kerry program described above, we have initiated a best-practices science awareness program in 15 primary schools ("clusters" of 5 in each County of Galway, Mayo & Donegal) in conjunction with the Irish Department of Education and Science and Dublin City University.

Great Famine Project, University College, Cork

Partnership donors have provided serious support to this project for several years.  The study of famine, its causes and remedies is particularly appropriate to Ireland.

The Michael Smurfit Graduate School of Business,

University College Dublin

Perhaps Ireland’s finest graduate business school, through various donors, the Partnership has consistently supported the school and its programs for several years.

St. Patrick’s Primary School, Pennyburn, Derry

Mr. Martin Coyle, Principal and his teaching staff are responsible for 900 young students in Derry City.  The Partnership intends to continue its support for new library programs and increased student materials.

St. Louise’s Comprehensive College, Falls Road, West Belfast

St. Louise’s is a 2400-student girls college offering a broad curriculum of studies for students preparing for University and those directly entering the workforce.  Working with Principal Sister Rosaleen, the Partnership intends to continue its funds support for school library programs.

Our Place Project, Community Network Portadown, Portadown

Located in one of the most difficult areas of Northern Ireland, the Community Network Portadown administers the Our Place Porjcet asking young people from both communities to describe their feelings and experiences growing up with turmoil.  The Partnership works with Director Patricia Cooke.

Father McVerry Program, Dublin

Father McVerry and his staff provide lodging and sustenance for homeless young men between 15 and 19 years old in Dublin.  The Partnership provides educational materials and computers to assist the education and retraining of the young men.

Aran Islands Schools & Sports Fund, Galway

All the Primary Schools on the Aran Islands have received books from Partnership donors during 2001.  A new athletic field received several grants and the islands will be the site of a new audio learning pilot program in 2002.

Shannon College of Hotel Management, Limerick

The Partnership has participated in professionalizing hospitality training for 15 years.  The Shannon Hotel School provides staff to the finest restaurants and hotels in Ireland.

Enniskillen Model Primary School, Enniskillen

With 444 students from Enniskillen and the surrounding area, the Model Primary School is designed to provide a broad and balanced education.  The Partnership intends to continue its support of Principal Winston Glass and the school’s teaching staff, especially the library programs.

Young Enterprise Group, West Belfast

Patterned after the successful Junior Achievement program in the United States, the Young Enterprise Group works with schools throughout Northern Ireland to introduce young people to the world of business and entrepreneurship.  The Partnership works with Director Michelle McKendry.

Omagh Ulster-American Folk Park, Omagh

The Partnership is anticipating funding an education program with ten local primary schools from both traditions.  The program will be administered by the staff of the Park under the management of John Gilmour, Director.  Nearly 500 local students will be involved.  We have worked with the Folk Park for 12 years assisting their fundraising in the United States.

Foynes Flying Boat Museum, Foynes, Co. Limerick

During the 1930's and early 1940's, the port of Foynes was the fulcrum point for air traffic between the United States and Europe. The famous flying boats were frequent visitors, carrying passengers who ranged from celebrities to refugees. The Foynes museum recalls the era with a comprehensive range of exhibits and graphic illustrations including a 1940's style cinema, the original terminal building through which many VIPs passed, war years' radio and a weather room. The Partnership works with the Museum's Margaret O'Shuaghnessy.

Partnership Scholarship Program (completed in 2002)

Nearly 1,000 deserving University graduates received Master’s Degree scholarship assistance from the Partnership for ten years.  For the school year of  2001-2002, 25 more students benefited from the program in its last year.