15/10/2013

Opportunity Europe Returns To Belfast

The Opportunity Europe Fair will be returning to Belfast for its 10th year next week, offering schoolchildren from across Northern Ireland the opportunity to find out about working, studying, travelling and volunteering abroad.

Organised by Belfast City Council and the European Commission Office in Northern Ireland, the show will see thousands of students travel to St George's Market on Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 October.

The programme will include music, dance, visual arts, quizzes, workshops, exhibition stands and discussions as well as the chance to sample cuisine from Europe and beyond.

Highlights will include language tasters in Croatian, Russian, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, Irish, Polish, Ulster Scots; performances by the Onatti Theatre Company of a play in french; a dance with the Chinese Dragon; the ever popular salsa dance sessions and a World of Music Arts and Dance performance.

Councillor Deirdre Hargey, Chair of Belfast City Council's Development Committee, said: "The council is delighted to be once again bringing Opportunity Europe and Beyond to St George's Market. Now in its 10th year, it promises to be as vibrant and interactive as ever, exploring opportunities for young people in Belfast and across the north of studying, working, travelling and volunteering in Europe.

"The Council indeed recognises the importance of competing on a European stage and equipping our young people with the right skills to avail of the opportunities that exist in Europe and beyond."

Colette FitzGerald, Head of the European Commission Office in Northern Ireland, said: "Opportunity Europe and Beyond is an enjoyable and interactive way for people to learn more about the European Union and what it means for people in Northern Ireland.

"It allows young people the opportunity to explore and take advantage of the wide range of choices available to them to study, travel, work and volunteer throughout Europe. Importantly, it also raises awareness of Europe's remarkable linguistic and cultural diversity and the opportunities that language learning offers. We look forward to welcoming people to St. George's Market next week."

(IT/JP)

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