From left to right, back row: Colin Buick, Mallusk Community Action Group; Bernadette Donaghy, Rainbow Parenting Group; Anita Feeney, Rainbow Parenting Group; Deborah Graham, PAKT; Margaret King, Whiteabbey Community Group; Christopher Donaghy, Connecting Calry. From left to right, front row: Jo-ann Wells, PLACE; Kelly Fitzpatrick, Whiteabbey Community Group; Marion Reid, Rainbow Parenting Group; Anita McNabb, University of Ulster; Nicola Williamson, PAKT; Elaine Blair, PLACE; Andrew Coulter, PLACE.

Today, Wednesday 30 June, 15 individuals who took part in the International Fund for Ireland’s (IFI) Community Leadership Programme graduated from the University of Ulster with a Certificate in Management Practice.  The ceremony was held at the Waterfront Hall.

The Community Leadership Programme (CLP) is a year long training programme for community groups, in which they receive free leadership training, a bursary of £2,500 and the opportunity to gain a University of Ulster Certificate in Management Practice.

Those picking up their certificates were:

Elaine Blair                         PLACE

Colin Buick                         Mallusk Community Action Group

Andrew Coulter                  PLACE

Bernadette Donaghy         Rainbow Parenting Group

Christopher Donaghy       Connecting Calry

Anita Feeney                       Rainbow Parenting Group

Brigid Finnegan                 Doohamlet & District Community Development Association

Kelly Fitzpatrick                  Whiteabbey Community Group

Deborah Graham              PAKT (Ballymena)

Patrick Harte                       Doohamlet & District Community Development Association

Margaret King                     Whiteabbey Community Group

Karen Neilly                        PAKT (Ballymena)

Marion Reid                        Rainbow Parenting Group

Jo-ann Wells                      PLACE

Nicola Williamson             PAKT (Ballymena)

Una McKernan, Deputy Chief Executive at NICVA commented “Last month, all 27 groups from the first year of the CLP completed their leadership journey.  Today’s achievement will further enhance the confidence and development of these individuals, the groups they represent and their wider communities.”

Commenting on his own achievement and his colleague Elaine Blair’s accomplishment, Andrew Coulter from PLACE, County Armagh said: “This is something we never thought we would achieve”.

Colin Buick from Mallusk Community Action Group, County Antrim said “This is one of the most enjoyable educational experiences I have ever had.  It has re-kindled my enthusiasm for education”.

Bernadette Donaghy from Rainbow Parenting Group, County Antrim said “This was a wonderful experience.  Great opportunity to develop management procedures and act as an entrepreneur in our local community”.

For other groups wishing to reach the same potential, the third and final year of the Community Leadership Programme is now open for applications.  Visit www.communityleadershipprogramme.org to apply.