As part of its activities to promote the European Year of Equal Opportunities, the National Council of Women organised a ceremony to present certificates to participants who completed a course in basic English skills and IT at different levels.

NCW president Doreen Micallef highlighted the need for women of all ages to make use of lifelong learning programmes to enhance their quality of life and to make use of opportunities to seek employment.

Anthony De Giovanni, director of the further studies and adult education division, spoke about initiatives that are being taken to encourage men and women to participate in lifelong learning programmes.

Many of the participants spoke about the encouragement they received during the courses in particular by the instructors. Promotional material, including bags and USB devices and brochures marking the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All 2007, were distributed to the participants to take to their communities, such as Church groups, clubs and schools.

Education Minister Louis Galea presented certificates to 80 participants. "We need to provide women with all the necessary skills to be able to join today's competitive workforce," the minister said, adding that the government would soon be operating childcare facilities in Luqa, Gharghur and Paola as a pilot project. NCW is taking this opportunity to promote lifelong learning as a tool for empowering women and promoting equal opportunities.

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