Speaking at the event the Minister said: “Opportunity Europe has a great and varied programme with lots of hands on activities and workshops to enthuse young people to explore the use of other European languages.

“It is vital that we encourage our young people to learn foreign languages in order to prepare them for life in the global economy and Opportunity Europe makes an important contribution to this.

“This event is also an excellent way to promote a greater understanding of European culture and tradition. It is important to show that as a community, we welcome cultural diversity and appreciate how our lives, and our society, can be enriched by learning from and embracing different cultures.

“I am pleased that this year Opportunity Europe has embraced creativity and innovation as one of its themes, as 2009 is designated as the European Year of Creativity and Innovation.”

The Minister thanked the European Commission Office in Belfast and Belfast City Council for organising the event, which is open to all post primary schools in Northern Ireland. Last year some 3,000 young people attended the two day event.

http://www.northernireland.gov.uk/news/news-dcal/news-dcal-201009-young-people-see.htm