Twenty two students from West Belfast received graduation certificates at a ceremony in the Society's Mountainview Centre on Tuesday 10th June 2008.   The 30 week courses in Numeracy and Literacy were delivered and financed by by the Open College Network at the SVP Centre.   The accredited courses also included Developing Parenting Skills and Making and using Story Stacks (many of which were on display at the event).   Donal Henry (SVP Regional Vice President) presented the certificates to the students, congratulating them all. He told them a bit about the work of the Society and he gave them some very good advice.

click to enlarge Group outside SVP Mountainview Centre

All our participants wanted to help their children with their education and to improve their own ability. The courses provided a starting point for some people who will continue with the education by progressing to other educational courses. click on any image to enlarge       Students and guests enjoyed the celebration that included watching a DVD of students' experience of learning within the family framework. One of the students featured on the DVD along with two students from other schemes.   The DVD was shown in Stormont the following day to a group of Head Teachers from a large number of Primary Schools.     It is intended that a copy of the DVD will be given to all MLAs to show that children will do better in school if parents are able to help them with their homework at a basic level and then right throughout their education.   If we prepare and help parents in this way, we will be truly working towards our aim of combating poverty through education.