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News
JUNE 2006
 
28/06/2006 Wedding Balls for Peter Munce!
16/06/2006 Class of 2006 Settle In DC
10/06/2006 Class of 2006 Arrive Safely In DC
08/06/2006 Aideen Makes It Across The Line
04/06/2006 YES South African Fundraiser
 

28/06/2006
Wedding Bells For Peter Munce

The WIPAN Executive Committee on behalf of the WIP alumni community would like to extend a warm congratulations to Peter Munce on his recently announced engagement!

This weekend Peter popped the question to a surprised Celia, his girlfriend of seven years.

They are both delighted and excited, and hope to get married 'as soon as feasibly possible.' However Peter admits he’s not too sure of the next step. 'I've not done this before - I'm not too sure what happens now!'

Peter, from the Class of 2002, currently works for Jim Nicolson, an Ulster MEP for the Ulster Unionist Party.

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16/06/2006
Class of 2002 Settle Into Washington DC life

Having recently arrived in DC, the Class of 2006 appear to be settling into the American way of life.

This past week saw the interns adjusting to the climate and pace of life in DC with a relaxed series of events designed to bond the team together in what was their first full week together.

The week began with the group arriving at Washington Dulles International Airport and greeted by their adoring host families who once again have opened their homes and fridges to another group of Irish interns. The first weekend saw interns relaxing with their host families with neighbourhood picnics.

Throughout the week, the group became acquainted with each other and the WIP office and also had the opportunity to visit the Library of Congress and be a part of Oakley Brook's infamous "Death Tour"

Interns also visit their work places and were treated to reception by the Northern Ireland Bureau at the National Press Club.

To follow the progress of the Class of 2006, please check out their web-journals.

Visit the Class of 2006 website

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10/06/2006
Class of 2006 Arrive Safely in DC

Today, the Class of 2006 departed the island of Ireland and landed safely at Dulles International Airport in Washington DC.

To follow the progress of the Class of 2006 throughout the summer, please check out their online journals and picture galleries.

Visit the Class of 2006 website

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08/06/2006
Aideen Makes It Across The Line

Aideen Keenan successfully completed the Flora Women’s Mini-Marathon in Dublin yesterday, Monday 5 June, for the Down Syndrome Centre.

Aideen said, “I completed the Mini Marathon yesterday in a time of 58 mins, which is not at all unacceptable! Although outside of my intended target, there were circumstances which contributed to this slight blip in my performance. Let it be known that I did indeed suffer.... beforehand as well as afterwards!”

This year was the third time entries have been limited to 40,000, making it the biggest all-women’s event of its kind in the world. Previous winners have included acclaimed athletes including Sonia O’Sullivan and Catherina McKiernan.

Aideen wishes to thank all her supporters. “Thanks to everyone who sponsored me - much appreciated and well spent! I'll be sending off the cheque to the Down Syndrome Centre as soon as I've gathered all the funds.”

The Down Syndrome Centre is a registered Irish charity set in 2004 by the parents of children with Down syndrome to fund Ireland’s first national treatment centre for people with this disability.

If you’d like to contribute to Aideen’s efforts please email her.

Aideen was a member of the Class of 2002.

Email Aideen Keenan

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04/06/2006
YES South Africa Fundraiser

Two alumni from the Class of 2003 and YES mentors are currently fundraising in order to spend the summer working with ‘out of school’ young people on a university supported HIV/AIDS awareness and education program in Durban, South Africa.

Tara Maguire from Enniskillen and Emma Stewart from Randalstown, both recent law graduates from Queens University Belfast, are hosting a fundraiser in order to pay for expenses and provide a donation for the affiliated charities in South Africa.

They are extending a warm invitation to WIP alumni and friends to their fundraiser on 10th June, a dinner/ bbq at 681 Lisburn Road at 7.30pm. A donation of £10 is suggested.

25% of young South Africans do not go to school while at least 37 million of people aged 10-14 will not complete primary education in Sub Saharan Africa. It is hoped that by targeting these ‘out of school children’ that the number of young people becoming infected with HIV can be significantly reduced.

Tara and Emma with be working with Professor Dennis Francis at School of Education and Development at University of KwaZulu-Natal who asked them to get involved when he learned of their experience as mentors working with young people.

Tara says, "We will be involved in research, discussion and data analysis with young people and part of the process of training young people as agents of their own transformation to allow them to become active participants in HIV/AIDS prevention in their own communities.”

Emma explained why it’s vital to educate and support those who are not in school.

“When parents fall sick or die, it is these youngsters who have to leave school to care for their siblings and their sick parents or parent. It is this group who have to find employment, to replace earnings lost through the illness or death of a caregiver. It is this group who are on the front lines and yet have not so far been targeted for much of the help available. This is why this project is so important and has inspired us both to get involved.”

To make a donation please phone +44 (0) 7790543220 or email.

Email the YES South Africa

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