Lottery cash for computer training

Disadvantaged to get information technology training

Grants of almost £1.5m have been awarded to disadvantaged communities in Northern Ireland for training in the use of computers.

The lottery cash from the New Opportunities Fund was announced on Tuesday.

It is being split between 11 different projects under the Community Access to Lifelong Learning programme.

The projects chosen will help the unemployed, ex-prisoners, the disabled, lone parents, farmers and the elderly get access to a computer and gain basic skills.

"Each one is tailor made to meet the needs of local communities and play a vital part in giving groups a chance to get ahead, learn and keep up with new developments," said Briedge Gadd from the New Opportunities Fund.

"The key to the success of these projects is that learning takes place in a friendly and supportive environment and participants are encouraged to put their new learning to use in their own community."

Training

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has secured a grant of £102,060 to provide computer training to 780 members in low-paid or part-time jobs.

It will focus on members in Belfast, Londonderry and Fermanagh.

A further £250,000 is going to the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action.

The cash will enable it to set up a network of 10 voluntary and community groups to encourage people to use information technology.

Parents of pupils at a west Belfast school are also being given the chance to take part in IT courses.

They are receiving a grant of £52,000 to provide computer classes in Twinbrook and Poleglass.

The fund has now provided more than £4.3m to projects under the CALL programme, which aims to help disadvantaged communities take up new learning opportunities through information technology.