NGO Development Perspectives awarded valuable opportunity

A local NGO has won a place on Rethink Ireland’s Genesis Programme, an intensive two-day residential workshop that will focus on building the skills and knowledge needed to develop a sustainable social enterprise and be successful in future funding opportunities.

Development Perspectives, an independent development education NGO based in Drogheda, works with partners in Ireland and across the world to address poverty, inequality and climate change through transformative education and active global citizenship.

‘Development Perspectives and all the recipients of funding and support from Rethink Ireland are doing vital work in their communities to promote social and economic wellbeing, and I wish to congratulate them on their achievements,’ said Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Joe O’Brien TD. ‘Now, more than ever, we need innovative leaders to re-think the way we live and work at an individual, local and national level to create a fairer, more inclusive and sustainable society for everyone. These Awardees are excellent examples of the importance of social enterprises to Irish society and the economy.’

Joan Martin, Chief Executive of Louth County Council also extended her congratulations on behalf of the council.

‘ The COVID 19 crisis has highlighted many challenges and opportunities for our local communities in recent months – at both a social and economic level. Social Enterprises can contribute an enormous amount to creating strong communities and to agile responses as our context continually changes,’ said Ms Martin. ‘ Thanks to Rethink Ireland and the Social Enterprise Development Fund, innovative organisations like Development Perspectives will continue to bring about positive social change, while also boosting the local economy by creating jobs.’ CEO of Rethink Ireland Deirdre Mortell also commended the local group. ‘Social enterprises like Development Perspectives are at the forefront of achieving positive social change for communities across Ireland,’ she said ‘using business skills and clever thinking to drive their social mission. Rethink Ireland was founded to support these organisations.’