The Mayor of Newtownabbey recently hosted a Conferring Ceremony for students who successfully completed the Diploma in Community Development Practice.

Nine students participated in the diploma funded by Newtownabbey and Antrim Borough Council’s and delivered by the National University of Ireland, Galway.

The diploma was a one year part time course designed to enable community activists to gain a thorough understanding of the principles and practices of community development work and how these can be applied in a local context.

Speaking at the event, the Mayor commented;

 “On behalf of Newtownabbey Borough Council, may I take this opportunity to congratulate each and every one of our nine students present here this evening for the hard work, dedication and commitment they have given in successfully completing this very worthwhile qualification which I hope will not only benefit you as individuals but also the communities in which you serve.”