REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW FACILITIES
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW EDUCATIONAL, TRAINING AND CHILDCARE FACILITY FOR WOMEN’S COMMUNITY
I am delighted to have this opportunity to visit The Women's Community Project - to perform the official opening of the new facilities – and in the process - to see for myself the work that you do for the women of Mullingar.
The Women's Project in Mullingar is an example of how the community - and the statutory agencies - have come together in a partnership - to respond to the needs of the people within the community. The development of the project - is a wonderful model of how educational and training programmes can be designed - to meet the particular needs of groups within the community – through a series of projects involving a considerable level of interaction, planning and evaluation - to ensure that each meets the needs of participants – and making it possible for them to join or re-join the workforce.
The range of activities in the various courses is comprehensive and relevant - and the project managers and coordinators must be congratulated for their outstanding work - in developing courses that include education, training and personal development. The contribution of the voluntary organisations - and of the statutory bodies - is vital for the viability of the projects - and their support for this initiative is to be commended.
Many people - from both voluntary and statutory organisations - have contributed to the realisation and success of the many strands that make up the Women's Community Project - and I would like to congratulate each and every one who has been involved. I am sure you will forgive me however for singling out one individual – a person whose vision, resourcefulness – and hard work - brought the dreams and aspirations of a group of young women to reality.
Sr. Finbarr is a true inspiration for others who may feel overwhelmed at the thought of undertaking such a task. However, the rewards - such as those achieved by the project - will provide encouragement and a model for other community groups. Such community initiatives not only meets the needs of individuals for personal development and training, but also help to provide important services such as those provided by the Homecare Services as well as providing opportunities for women in the workforce.
A most important aspect of any community project is the sense of belonging that - socialising, learning and working together - gives to individuals in that community. The sharing of common problems and experiences - which can often be difficult for women who work in the home - is one of the most positive aspects of such projects.
It is so important for mothers of young children to be able to have some time for their own personal and social development - in the knowledge that the children are well cared for. The availability of the child-minding services - that are offered to the participants of the project - provide mothers with a wide range of options. The structure and flexibility of the child care facilities - also provide an excellent model of how
Childcare should be provided in any community. This new building that we are opening today – will provide the space and facilities needed - to put the project on a firm footing. It is a coming-of-age in a sense – where you are no longer ‘attached’ to some other place – and trying to tailor your projects and requirements to the space limitations. Now you have your own place – a place that has been built to meet your needs – and a place that you can be confident and comfortable with.
In declaring the new Centre open – I would like to say that it has been a pleasure and a learning experience for me today. I would like to congratulate everyone who has contributed to the overwhelming success of the Mullingar Women's Community Project – and to the realisation of this dream. I wish you all every success for the future.