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20/04/2006
WIPAN Welcomes New Chair Of Ireland Board
The Executive Committee of WIPAN warmly welcomes the recent election of John (Jack) Devaney to Chair of the WIP Ireland Board.
Mr. Devaney is the first alumnus to take on the role of Chair of the Board in either Ireland or the USA.
Mr. Devaney has been actively involved with WIP since graduating from the program in 2000 when he interned at the Department of Energy. A founder of the Alumni Network, he also held the first full-time WIP Development Manager post in Belfast and has been a member of the Ireland Board since its incpeption. He is currently the Executive Manager of the Confederation of European Councillors, of whom eight fellow alumni are members.
On taking up this leadership role Mr. Devaney highlighted the WIP philosophy of 'giving something back'.
He said, "The Washington-Ireland Program has evolved into one of the most exciting projects of peace and reconciliation youth leadership development on the island. The boards on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean are determined to support and guide it in every way we can. As Chairman of the Ireland Board and a member of the program's growing alumni, I am more than happy to give something back to a project that has given me some unique opportunities."
Kathryn Walls, Chair of WIPAN, expressed her delight and praised Mr Devaney's dedication and vision.
She said his election represented an important milestone in the future development of WIP.
"It is a visible representation of the alumni committment to ensuring that more talented young people are given the access and opportunites for developing personal and leadership skills that helps build relationships between communities and across borders."
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19/04/2006
WIP Alumni Sing To Support Mount Lebanon Gospel Choir
Alumni of WIP are to raise the roof of the Temple Bar Music Centre on Wednesday 17th May in to raise funds for a trip to Ireland by the Washington DC Mount Lebanon Gospel Choir in September 2006.
Three alumni sing with the renowned Gardiner Street Gospel Choir, and the fundraising effort is being spearheaded by Aisling McKenna of the class of 2000. Aisling says, "If you have never seen the Gardiner Street Gospel Choir you are in for a treat! We will have special guest perform with us, and a DJ will play after the gig. Given that proceeds from the concert are going exclusively to Mount Lebanon we would love if as many alumni from WIP could give their support. We would be more than delighted to take contributions from anyone who can not attend the event but would like to contribute to the fundraising effort."
The fame of both choirs has reached the ears of the Ambassador of the United States, His Excellency Mr James C. Kenny. An enthusiastic supporter of WIP, Mr Kenny is already planning a reception for the two choirs in early autumn which will celebrate the relationship between the US and Ireland that WIP continues to develop.
But before that can happen, Mount Lebanon needs the funds to get here! On the other side of the Atlantic a $10,000 drive is underway. Alumni here have set a target of €5,000.
Tickets cost €12 and are available at 8.30pm after the Gardiner Street Gospel Choir mass on Sunday evenings at Gardiner Street . Alternatively they are also available on http://www.tickets.ie
For more information please contact Aisling McKenna
| Visit Tickets.ie website |
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| Email Aisling McKenna |
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18/04/2006
Will It Be A Case Of The Weakest Link For Michael?
Michael Woods, WIP Class of 2002, will battle other contestants and acid-tongued hostess Anne Robinson on the Weakest Link in the coming weeks.
Michael currently works in a law firm in the city of London. He said, "I won't tell you how I did. You'll have to watch and see"
WIPAN are eager to find out how he did and will have an update shortly.
The episode will be shown on Thursday May 4 on BBC2 at 5.15pm
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10/04/2006
YES Hosts A Night At The Movies Fundraiser
The Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES) is pleased to announce our forthcoming charity fundraiser 'A Night at the Movies' which will take place on the 19 th April 2006 at the IMAX Theatre, Odyssey, Belfast starting at 7:15pm.
'A Night at the Movies' will provide you with a chance to experience the magic of the 3D IMAX Theatre and enjoy two amazing movies including Everest (45 minutes) and T-Rex (45 minutes) about human endeavour and challenge. This promises to be an entertaining evening!!
Tickets for the event cost £10 per person and £25 for a family ticket.
This includes two 3D movies, drinks reception and live music, free popcorn and snacks. There will be also an opportunity to win prizes which includes a meal for two at the new titanic restaurant. We will also be showing the YES political broadcast made by participants on issues such as racism and bullying.
This event not only enables you to reconnect with Alumni members but also provide you with a great opportunity to support YES, an Alumni initiative established in 2001, which mentors children aged 11-14 year old from diverse backgrounds. We really need your support for this event to make it a success. All the money raised from this event will help sustain our weekly mentoring programme.
You can purchase a ticket for the event by emailing Chris Johnston or calling +44(0) 77 46956997
| Email Chris Johnston |
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T-REX (45 Minutes)
Follow Ally Hayden on a remarkable adventure as she is magically transported back in time 65 million years to the cretaceous period. Ally is awe struck by the various dinosaurs she discovers and audiences will feel her fear as she comes face to face with the very much alive T-Rex!
EVEREST (45 Minutes)
Everest is the dramatic true story of a team of climbers who found hope, strength and triumph in the wake of tragedy. Their successful ascent of Mount Everest just days after fellow mountaineers and friends died there, is a compelling story about the human spirit and a mountain they love, respect and sometimes fear. Everest takes audiences across creaking icefalls and gaping chasms, up dangerous, towering cliffs, through a harrowing rescue, and into the danger zone of oxygen-thin altitude.
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