Minister Sherlock congratulates the Alan Kerins African Projects on 10th anniversary

Minister for Development, Trade Promotion, and North South Co-operation, Seán Sherlock, TD, has congratulated the Alan Kerins African Projects on its tenth anniversary and paid tribute to the work of the organisation. Minister Sherlock also welcomed the planned collaboration between the Alan Kerins African Projects and Gorta-Self Help Africa in both Zambia and Ireland.

Highlighting the importance of sport in engaging young people, Minister Sherlock said:

“This anniversary is an opportunity to look back on all the great work that the organisation has done with children and young people, in particular in helping to address educational needs and foster leadership.

“We all know how important it to reach people at a young age and sport is an invaluable vehicle through which this can be done.

“I have no doubt that Alan has brought his skills from his time as a Galway inter-county hurler and footballer to bear in this important work.”

Minister Sherlock also paid tribute to the support provided by Missionary Organisations to the Alan Kerins Projects.

The Minister added: “Missionary organisations like The Presentation Sisters; alongside with other civil society organisations like Gorta Self Help Africa have been key partners of the Irish Aid Programme for many years.

“Ireland’s development programme, Irish Aid – and indeed the work of our NGOs such as Gorta Self Help Africa, Alan Kerins African Projects and others – are fortunate to have the support of the Irish people, who have always stood in solidarity with those who are less well-off.”

ENDS

Press Office

Notes to editors:

• Irish Aid is the Government’s programme for overseas development. It is managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
• More information on the Alan Kerins African Projects can be found on http://alankerinsprojects.org/