Fermanagh Women’s Aid was awarded a grant of £3,000 by the Open College Network NI (OCN NI) to help assist with a project that will be delivered locally.

The local charitable organisation that provides information, refuge and confidential support for women and children affected by domestic or sexual abuse, was one of 34 education, voluntary and charitable training providers throughout the province to receive money through the grant scheme, which is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.

A total of £82,000 was awarded, with Fermanagh Women's Aid receiving £3,000 of the share, the maximum grant amount available.

This is the first learner funding scheme of its kind launched in Northern Ireland by an awarding organisation, explained Martin Flynn, CEO, OCN NI.

Martin said: “The Centre Learning Grants Programme was created by OCN NI to help fulfil our charitable function with particular emphasis being given to help those who may be especially disadvantaged and would not otherwise have had the opportunities to engage in education.

“Originally, we planned to award £70K but the number of the entries and quality of the submissions resulted in the OCN NI board of trustees increasing the fund to £82K. We awarded grants of between £500 and £3,000 to over thirty projects or activities that advance the mission and vision of OCN NI.”

Paul Donaghy Chair of OCN NI, said: “As part of our organisations Corporate & Social Responsibility commitments we are delighted to be in a position to ‘give back’ to learners and training providers through the development of the Grants Programme in line with the stated aims of our charitable function, ensuring the advancement of education for public benefit. This is a first for OCN NI and I am confident the grants will help engage, enrich and equip learners for life.”

OCN NI is Northern Ireland’s leading Awarding Body, working with Further Education Colleges, Schools, Training Organisations, Third Sector Organisations, Health Trusts, Prisons and other education and training organisations.