On Tuesday 2nd September, the west Belfast community celebrated 26 years of the Aisling Education Bursaries in St Mary’s University College.

The recipient of the College bursary was Briana Steen who is starting a degree programme at the University of Durham.

Jim Donnelly chair of the West Belfast Partnership Board welcomed over 250 sponsors, recipients and their friends and family. 

Managed and delivered by West Belfast Partnership Board, the Aisling Education Bursaries are a unique education scheme for students from west Belfast and Shankill, which highlight the importance the business community attaches to education in developing West Belfast. The initiative is a community and private sector partnership through which businesses, community enterprises, families and individuals contribute to the Aisling Education Bursary fund and make a firm commitment to developing the skills of the local community.   

West Belfast Partnership Board welcomed recipients and sponsors and thanked the 94 sponsors who this year donated an incredible £126,500 to 168 local people to enable them to begin or continue their education and training.   

Since the Aisling Bursaries began in 2000,  

1634 people have benefitted from an incredible £1.171 Million in sponsorship.  

West Belfast Partnership Board were delighted to welcome Minister for the Economy, Caoimhe Archibald MLA as keynote speaker.  

Minister Archibald said: “Over the past 26 years, Aisling Bursaries have helped more than 1,600 students to take their next steps in education. That’s a remarkable achievement and a testimony to the generosity of local people, businesses, and organisations who want to see others succeed. “By investing in education and skills, we give local people the tools they need to succeed, to grow, and to shape their local communities as well as the local economy.”  

Paul Maskey MP – “It’s fantastic to see another year of leadership from the West Belfast Partnership Board and local businesses in supporting people across West Belfast and Shankill in furthering their education. To all of the recipients go and study and bring back your skills to continue leadership and development here in west Belfast. 

Past recipient, Joe Gillen told the audience of how receiving an Aisling Education Bursary had helped him with his Social Work degree and that he is now honoured to be able to sponsor a bursary.   

Peter Lynch, CEO, WBPB 

“The Aisling Bursaries have reflected the best values of the people of West Belfast — both sponsors and recipients alike. Thanks to our sponsors, who each year show the value they place on our community by continuing to support the Aisling Education Bursaries”  

“Congratulations to our all of our recipients – you are our future leaders, business owners and community advocates. We look forward to seeing you back in west Belfast, bringing your skills, expertise and knowledge to help further regenerate our community.”