by Alan Jacques
(Picture: Brendan Gleeson)
EDUCATION Minister Jan O’Sullivan has praised a Moyross-based publication for continually raising serious issues and challenging stereotypes.
Speaking at the official launch of the 50th edition of ‘Changing Ireland’, Minister O’Sullivan promised staff at the national community development magazine that they could count on Government funding that would be given in a way that they wouldn’t have to tone down their coverage.
“We all need to hear real voices of people in communities,” she said.
“This magazine has done a lot to challenge stereotyping and to make people think about communities and not just to have very simple ideas about what communities are like. If you belong to a certain community, there’s an automatic assumption that you are a certain type of person. That is stereotyping, that is wrong and it has to be challenged at all levels. I think ‘Changing Ireland’ has done an awful lot to do that and is to be commended,” she added.
After Changing Ireland’s golden anniversary edition launch, Minister O’Sullivan met with young men who are campaigning for a social horse project in Moyross.
“Maybe it’s because the benefits of sport and community development are really self-evident that they are sometimes overlooked,” said Mr Clancy, who will take to the field for the second time as a Rugby World Cup referee next month.
The magazine is available online at www.changingireland.ie, through Eason outlets and by post for free if you work or volunteer in a community and wish to subscribe.
