The answer to this question was revealed at the 2007 Opportunities for Women Learning (OWL) certificate ceremony held on November 23 in the Hillgrove Hotel, Monaghan with Teresa McKiernan from Cavan Town named as the 15,000th OWL learner.
Marian Harkin, 15,000th OWL learner Teresa McKiernan and Diarmuid Moore (WEA Assistant Director) at the presentation ceremony
OWL, a Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) project, is now 13 years old and in that time over 15,000 women from Northern Ireland and the Border Counties of the Republic of Ireland have participated in progressive learning specially designed for women returning to education.
The ceremony which marked the achievements of the latest intake of women on the project was a memorable occasion for both the learners and the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA). Over 700 women were awarded certificates by OWL this year.
The WEA were particularly pleased to welcome Marian Harkin, MEP, to be the keynote speaker at the ceremony. Marian represents three of the Southern Border Counties that OWL participants are drawn from and she has a particular interest in the spreading of educational opportunities in the Border Region.
Speaking at the ceremony Marian said:
"I am very pleased to be here at the OWL presentation of certificates so that I can recognise your hard work, your efforts and your achievements. The two governments should put their money where their mouths are and continue to fund programmes like these."
While the ceremony focused on the individual achievements of the women it was also a chance to reflect on the many strengths of the project. A recent independent evaluation of the OWL programme highlighted the following areas:
This approach is endorsed by OWL participants and one participant commented:
"OWL had an amazing effect on my life. It helped me deal with a lot of issues. It showed me that I had hidden gifts and talents that I was not aware of. It gave me confidence.
"I learned far more through OWL than any schooling."
WEA Assistant Director, Diarmuid Moore, said:
"The WEA is proud to present these certificates tonight, they are testament to the hard work of WEA staff and tutors but most of all to the learners."
The OWL project is funded through Border Action, by the EU Peace II Programme and the National Development Plan.
For further information on the OWL project log on to www.wea-ni.com or email jane.crudden@wea-ni.com.
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