THE Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Daniel Butler, will take part in the annual ‘Celebration of Learning Day’ on Thursday 30th September as part of the Irish Network of Learning Cities. This network is a joint initiative with four other cities across Ireland. In 2019, the Lord Mayors of Belfast, Cork, and Dublin, and the Mayors of Limerick, and Derry City and Strabane Region signed a formal agreement to commit each city to work together and provide mutual support to help deliver on the vision of a learning city for all citizens.
The aim of the Irish Network of Learning Cities is to ensure a shared dedication to strengthening friendly relations and enhancing cooperation between the peoples of the cities and city-regions. The network is delighted to hold its second annual ‘Irish Learning Cities Day’ on September 30th and to celebrate learning and the resilience of our local communities.
Cllr Daniel Butler, Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, said: “At the heart of a vision of a learning city is the commitment to use learning to improve the lives of all citizens, regardless of age or background and I am delighted that Limerick is part of this vision. Over the past two years, the Irish Network of Learning Cities collaborated on many programmes and events. As a network, we want to work together to celebrate learning, highlight what’s on offer across the cities and city-regions and we want to celebrate the achievements of learners.”
Limerick joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities in 2016, which includes over 200 cities committed to using learning to improve the lives of their citizens. Limerick was awarded the UNESCO Learning City Award in 2017. This award was a recognition of the exemplary progress made by Limerick in promoting inclusive education and lifelong learning in local communities.
As part of the celebrations on Thursday, a collaborative video will be launched that will include messages from the mayors of all five cities in the Irish Network. There will also be a Learning Limerick video launched on the day, featuring Mayor Daniel Butler and Learning Limerick Chairperson Eimear Brophy. This will feature lifelong learning footage of some recent festivals and learning activities and events.
Eimear Brophy, Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board and Chairperson of Learning Limerick, said: “The Irish Network of Learning Cities benefits all five cities and adds value to the efforts of individual cities. In line with the mission of the UNESCO GNLC, the network shares learning and best practice and supports each other on issues of common interest. We are delighted to be part of this network and we support each other’s key initiatives and work very closely together. It is widely recognised that learning throughout all stages of life contributes positively to health and wellbeing, as well as to employment and skills – ultimately building a stronger society for the future of Limerick.”
