Top marks for community workers

The qualification was part of the Community Leadership Programme, funded by the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) and delivered by NICVA. The ceremony was held at the Waterfront Hall.

The initiative is a year-long training programme for community groups, where they receive free leadership training, a bursary of £2,500 and a University of Ulster Certificate in Management Practice.

Among the graduates at the Waterfront Hall were members of Monkstown Community Association and Rathcoole Friends of the Somme Association.

Meanwhile, NICVA has announced that the IFI Community Leadership Programme has been extended for another year.

Dr Adrian Johnston, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland said: “Over the past three years the programme has gone from strength to strength, with individuals and groups participating in action learning sessions, round table workshops, Institute of Leadership and Management accreditation and, for some, participation in the University of Ulster Certificate in Management Practice. This is a fantastic opportunity for groups to develop and grow, and now in its final year, we would encourage them to apply.”

Una McKernan from NICVA added: “To date, over 97 organisations and about 475 individuals have gone through the programme, and are already showing lots of evidence of improved leadership skills, which can only benefit how their organisations are run and the local communities they operate in.”

Further information is available on the Community Leadership Programme website at www.communityleadershipprogramme.org or by calling Sandra Bailie on 028 9087 7777.