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NLIS 3
February 17, 2006
(Innovation, Trade and Rural Development)
 

Poetry contest connects local grade nine students to Ireland

The Ireland Business Partnerships (IBP) is sponsoring a poetry contest for grade nine students in Newfoundland and Labrador to help educate them on the connection between Ireland and Newfoundland and Labrador, while at the same time encouraging students to explore poetry as a form of creative expression.

Ireland and Newfoundland are islands on the edge of great continents. The Atlantic Ocean both separates and connects these islands, and certainly has stories to tell of the people who have traveled it and the experiences they have had. The students are being asked to write a poem on the influence and connection the Atlantic Ocean has on the existence, culture and the lives of people in Newfoundland and Labrador and Ireland, either past, present or future.

"Newfoundland and Labrador has strong ties to Ireland, as much of our cultural heritage has its foundation in Irish tradition," said Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development and minister responsible for the Ireland Business Partnerships. "I encourage students to get involved in this creative way to learn about our relationship with Ireland."

"This IBP-sponsored contest will help educate and engage our province�s youth on the significant connection between Newfoundland and Labrador and Ireland. It will also help us achieve our goal of introducing the importance of our cultural heritage into our schools." said Joan Burke, Minister of Education. "These students represent the future of our province, so it is important for them to be aware of these important linkages for the province."

Prizes will be awarded to the top three poems. First prize will be an iPod, second prize is a digital camera and third prize is a gift certificate for the Future Shop. In addition to the prizes, a package of Newfoundland and Labrador literature worth $150 will go to the schools of the winning students for their libraries. The IBP will send information packages to all grade nine teachers and English department heads in Newfoundland and Labrador. The contest closes March 10, 2006. For more information on the contest, e-mail ibp@gov.nl.ca.

The Ireland Newfoundland Partnership (INP) in Dublin is holding a similar contest in Ireland. Last year�s contest generated over 500 entries and was successful in educating Irish youth about Newfoundland and Labrador and its similarities to Irish life.

The mandate of IBP is to assist provincial companies and organizations interested in developing economic, cultural and educational opportunities with Ireland by identifying common interests and complementary skills; increasing awareness and collaboration between businesses, cultural agencies and educational institutions; and exchanging up-to-date information on the economy, legislation and regulations. The IBP also identifies strategic business alliances through marketing agreements, joint ventures and technology transfer opportunities, and develops linkages between the public and private sectors in both Newfoundland and Labrador and Ireland.

Media contact: Lynn Evans, Communications, (709) 729-4570, 690-6290

2006 02 17                             9:45 a.m.


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