NI students dish up at Washington folk festival

30 June 2007

Minister for Employment and Learning, Sir Reg Empey, today visited the renowned Smithsonian Institution’s Folklife Festival in the United States.

Representatives from Newry and Kilkeel Institute’s Centre of Excellence for Hospitality and Catering are amongst the 160 attendees from Northern Ireland who are participating in this year’s Festival, which runs from 27 June – 8 July.  

Speaking at the Festival, the Minister said:  “The participation of these young people at such a prestigious event in the American calendar is a wonderful testament to the importance of the Further Education sector in Northern Ireland.  I am impressed by the extremely high standard of food preparation and service, which is a tribute to the quality training the students have received.”

First year student Alex Greene and second year student Sinead Boyle are assisting chef lecturer Hugh Browne with cookery demonstrations, using foods which are essentially traditional but incorporate a modern twist.  Another six students are preparing and serving food at the food concession area and are showcasing the very best in Northern Ireland produce, cuisine and service.

Sir Reg commented: “My Department places Further Education at the heart of lifelong learning and strives to meet the needs of the local economy, by ensuring that curriculum provision in colleges is focused on economic and workforce needs.  

“It is my vision that young people who progress into Further Education will learn skills that will help to drive the economy.  We are working continuously to strengthen the links between Further Education colleges and schools, universities, community organisations and the business sector.  To be involved in the Smithsonian Institution’s Folklife Festival is an excellent opportunity for a small sample of the workforce of tomorrow to showcase the skills they have acquired so far.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The Festival is the largest cultural event in the Washington DC calendar and takes place annually on the National Mall.  It incorporates music and dance performances, crafts, cookery and storytelling from around the world and is visited by more than one million people every year.
  2. The 2007 Smithsonian Folklife Festival takes place between 27 June – 8 July and highlights the rich history, living traditions and distinctive cultures of the Mekong River, Northern Ireland and the roots of Virginia.
  3. Northern Ireland participants at the Festival will be celebrating the diversity and creativity of their country and highlighting the history, living traditions and distinctive customs of the region.  There will be a presence from a wide range of organisations and sectors across Northern Ireland, including the schools and university sectors.
  4. Support for this project has come from the Learning Skills Development Agency, Department for Employment and Learning, Department for Agriculture and Rural Development and Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure.
  5. Media enquiries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872.
  6. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.

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