IPPN

Published: 05 December 2008

Source : D.E.S

'This event highlights the vital role of all players in the development of family literacy'- Seán Haughey, T.D.

The Minister for Lifelong Learning, Seán Haughey, T.D.,today opened a seminar on family literacy which took place at the Clock Tower Conference Centre, Department of Education and Science Headquarters, Marlborough Street, Dublin.

This important seminar is a timely opportunity for participants to learn from one another, to share experiences and to create new ideas and thinking which will feed into their future family literacy work.

Speaking to participants at the seminar, Minister Haughey said "the needs of the learner and a culture of high expectations must always be at the centre of all our actions. These actions must include a concentration on literacy and numeracy from an early age, strong links between the home, the school and the community.

Today's seminar will provide a rich mix of analysis, discussion and examples of good practice."

Speaking about support for this initiative, Minister Haughey said "the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools - DEIS - an Action Plan for Educational Inclusion - was launched in 2005 and one of its aims is to develop family literacy initiatives. My Department established a Working Group to develop a family literacy project. In 2007, funding of €140,000 was provided for seven projects. I am very pleased that funding has been increased to €200,000 and a further 12 projects across the country have been approved for funding."

Minister Haughey also added "it is especially important that parents are assisted to engage in their children's education. We must remove any potential barriers in order that parents can help their children with homework and actively engage with them.

I believe that there are enormous advantages to be gained through increased joining up of the professional skills available through the schools and other local agencies. I thank all involved for their hard work and commitment in this regard. The learners with whom you have come into contact have benefited enormously from your dedication and enthusiasm."

The Minister concluded by saying "some of you here today are becoming involved in family literacy for the first time and I have no doubt that these new projects will prove to be of great assistance to the people in your localities for many years to come."

END