
Rethink Ireland launches €1.5m fund to empower marginalized communities
Rethink Ireland launches €1.5m fund to empower marginalized communities
- Rethink Ireland has launched the €1.5m Skills for Tomorrow Fund to support marginalized communities.
- The fund aims to empower individuals with necessary workforce skills amid changing labor markets.
- This initiative seeks to create inclusive pathways into employment and education for those at risk of exclusion.
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In Ireland, Rethink Ireland, in collaboration with Deloitte and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, has initiated a new fund aimed at supporting marginalized individuals and communities. The €1.5 million Skills for Tomorrow Fund was launched to address the evolving demands of the workforce and to ensure that those who are already marginalized are not left behind in the changing job market. The fund is designed to empower these individuals by providing them with the necessary skills to thrive in future employment opportunities. The initiative comes at a critical time when labor markets are shifting due to technological advancements and changing economic conditions. Deirdre Mortell, the CEO of Rethink Ireland, emphasized the importance of creating inclusive pathways into education and employment for those who are at risk of being further excluded. The fund aims to support innovative projects that focus on skills development, digital inclusion, and workforce participation, particularly for young people not engaged in education, long-term unemployed individuals, people with disabilities, and minority ethnic communities. Lorraine Griffin, chair of Deloitte Ireland, expressed pride in supporting this multi-year fund, highlighting the need for new skills to meet the demands of tomorrow's economy. She noted that while technology can create opportunities, it can also reinforce existing barriers for those without access to education and training. The Skills for Tomorrow Fund seeks to bridge this gap by equipping organizations that serve these communities with the right technology and resources to expand their reach and impact. Applications for the fund are open until June 29, inviting organizations that support both young people and adults to submit proposals. Projects must demonstrate innovative and evidence-based approaches to skills development and digital inclusion. This initiative represents a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive workforce in Ireland, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the future economy.