Northern Ireland

Education and employment bursary launched in memory of Martin McGuinness

Former Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness who died in March 2017. Picture by Liam McBurney/PA Wire
Former Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness who died in March 2017. Picture by Liam McBurney/PA Wire Former Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness who died in March 2017. Picture by Liam McBurney/PA Wire

A BURSARY to help students and those seeking employment has been launched in memory of the late deputy first minister Martin McGuinness.

The special fund, which has been unveiled on the fifth anniversary of the death of the Sinn Féin politician and former Stormont education minister, aims to assist "people to build better futures for themselves and their families".

It has been launched by the Martin McGuinness Peace Foundation, which was set up by his family, friends and the Gasyard Wall Féile in October 2019 to celebrate his life and legacy.

A spokesman for the foundation last night said priority for the 'Martin McGuinness education and employment bursary' would be given to those "studying or working in the fields of peace building and the promotion of human rights".

"Martin McGuinness was passionate about the importance of education and employment in terms of helping people to build better futures for themselves and their families," he said.

"We are therefore delighted to be launching this bursary in his name as a very appropriate way to remember him and to build on his incredible legacy.

"Full details of the criteria are on the foundation website, but given Martin’s lifelong focus on equality, preference will be given to applicants who face the greatest obstacles when seeking to access third level education.

"Priority will also be given to those studying or working in the fields of peace building and the promotion of human rights.

"Help will also be available to applicants seeking support to help them into employment through the purchase of specialised clothing or tools for example.

"This is a very exciting initiative for the foundation, and we are eager to begin supporting the successful applicants as soon as possible."

For further information, please visit www.martinmcguinnesspeacefoundation.org or email at admin@martinmcguinnesspeacefoundation.org