THE West Belfast community is celebrating 27 years of the Aisling Education Bursaries with a ceremony in St Mary’s University College on the Falls Road.
Jim Donnelly, Chair of the West Belfast Partnership Board, welcomed over 300 sponsors, recipients and their friends and family, thanking independent judges Monica Culbert and Eilish Rooney for their hard work and support.
Professor Peter Finn welcomed all in attendance to St Mary’s University College and said the College was delighted to once again be hosting the annual Aisling Education Bursaries.
Managed and delivered by West Belfast Partnership Board, the Aisling Education Bursaries are a unique education scheme for students from West Belfast and Shankill, which highlight the importance the business community attaches to education in developing West Belfast. The initiative is a community and private sector partnership through which businesses, community enterprises, families and individuals contribute to the Aisling Education Bursary fund and make a firm commitment to developing the skills of the local community.
West Belfast Partnership Board welcomed recipients and sponsors and thanked the sponsors who this year donated an incredible £135,000 to 161 local people to enable them to begin or continue their education and training.
Since the Aisling Bursaries began in 2000, 1,795 people have benefitted from an incredible £1.306 Million in sponsorship.
Minister Caoimhe Archibald and Lord Mayor Róis-Máire Donnelly with Professor Peter Finn, the judging panel and staff from the West Belfast Partnership Board
West Belfast Partnership Board were delighted to welcome Minister for the Economy, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA as keynote speaker, Ard-Mhéara Bhéal Feirste, Cllr Róis-Máire Donnelly as guest speaker, and Niamh McConway, past Aisling Education Bursary recipient.
Minister Archibald said: "For 27 years the Aisling Bursary has helped remove financial barriers, raise aspirations and support learners to access higher education. Supported by my Department, and a wide range of community and business partners it is a powerful example of what can be achieved when we invest in the potential of local people.
"Education has the power to transform lives and create opportunities. By investing in education and skills, we equip people with the knowledge and confidence to fulfil their potential, strengthen their communities and help grow our economy. I thank everyone who has supported the scheme over the years and congratulate this year's recipients on their achievements. I wish them every success as they take the next steps in their educational journey."
Ard-Mhéara Bhéal Feirste, Cllr Róis-Máire Donnelly said: “Our Council is committed to ensuring everyone in Belfast is able to fulfil their full potential and has access to opportunities which help them be the best they can be.
"Tá ár gcomhairle tiomanta go gcuirfidh muid deiseanna ar fáil do gach uile duine i mBéal Feirste le go mbeidh siad ábalta barr a gcumais a bhaint amach.
“The Aisling Education Bursaries are a great example of how this works in practice – by providing people with practical support and assistance, they really do make a difference to someone continuing on with their education or skills journey.
“What makes these bursaries extra special too is the backing of local businesses and organisations who understand the key role education plays in improving community outcomes and continue to back this great initiative.
Ard-Mhéara Róis-Máire Donnelly
“Is rud speisialta é fosta go bhfuil gnólachtaí agus eagraíochtaí áitiúla ag tacú leis an scéim sparánachtaí seo. Is léir, mar gheall go bhfuil siad ag tacú leis an tionscnamh iontach seo, go dtuigeann na gnólachtaí agus na heagraíochtaí áitiúla seo an tábhacht a bhaineann leis an oideachas agus an dea-thionchar a mbíonn aige ar ár bpobal.”
Past recipient Niamh McConway said: "My Aisling Bursaries for £500 in 2022 and 2023, helped remove some of the barriers that could have made my journey that little bit harder.
"And that is what I think is so special about the Aisling Bursaries. They aren’t just giving students money. They’re giving people a little bit more freedom. A little bit more opportunity.
"And sometimes, they’re giving someone the chance to say yes to an opportunity that they might otherwise have had to turn down. When the Aisling Bursary sponsors give someone a bursary, you’re not just helping them with a laptop, a car, books, travel or whatever else they might use it for. You’re investing in someone’s education, their confidence and their future and ultimately, you’re investing in the future of West Belfast.”
Peter Lynch, CEO, West Belfast Partnership Board, said: “The Aisling Bursaries have reflected the best values of the people of West Belfast — both sponsors and recipients alike. Thanks to our sponsors, who each year show the value they place on our community by continuing to support the Aisling Education Bursaries.”
Angie Mervyn, Education Manager, West Belfast Partnership Board, added: “Congratulations to our all of our recipients – you are our future leaders, business owners and community advocates. We look forward to seeing you back in West Belfast, bringing your skills, expertise and knowledge to help further regenerate our community.”
