MDP welcomes funding from Irish American Partnership
WITH preparations already in train for the annual Munster Maths and Science Family Fair, event organisers have been bolstered by a donation towards the running of the event from the Irish American Fund.
Local TD Deputy Sean Sherlock was on hand this week to present a cheque for $5,000 from the fund to the Mallow Development Partnership (MDP), which has organised the ground-breaking event since it was established in 2001.
Speaking at the presentation Tom Cronin, chair of the MDP’s Education and technology subgroup, welcomed the donation.
“This is a very important grant and a big vote of confidence in the MDP in that the Fund clearly recognises the work being done with schools here in Mallow to promote the important subjects of maths and science. We are indeed most grateful for this very generous funding,” said Mr Cronin.
Now in its seventh year, the fair attracts up to 4.500 people to the Mallow GAA Complex at Carrigoon each October.
Mr Cronin said the programme would be further expanded this year with a number of new exhibitors including Dell/EMC. Life Time Labs and the innovative Outdoor Planetarium.
“They will be joined by supporters including the Institute of Physics, Coderdojo, Kostal, Dairygold and local secondary schools. Local primary schools will also be showcasing exhibits under an initiative being rolled out this month in conjunction with Mary Immaculate College,” said Mr Cronin.
He said the initiative would also be working in close collaboration with parents to promote the subjects.
“Involving parents in an effort to break down insecurities around the maths and science subjects was one of the key elements in securing this funding from the Irish American Partnership,” said Mr Cronin.
“On behalf of the MDP I would sincerely like to thank Deputy Sherlock who has worked tirelessly over the years to secure this very welcome funding.”
The 2017 Munster Maths and Science Fair will take place on Sunday, October 15.