News Article

Students having the time of their lives


6/18/2002 1:47:16 PM


College of the North Atlantic students recently participated in a Leadership Exchange program in Ireland and had the time of their lives. It wasn't all fun and games however, and the students did a lot of work while in the various communities they visited.

June 18, 2002 - Students from College of the North Atlantic experienced all that Ireland has to offer recently after spending two weeks on the Emerald Isle as part of a leadership exchange program.

The 12 students and three staff participated in the Irish President’s Award (Gaisce) in county Donegal. They arrived in Donegal last Sunday, May 27, and while in Ireland had the time of their lives.

The group volunteered at youth and senior oriented community projects in Dungloe. They painted and renovated a youth centre, and organized activities for local youth in the area. They were also busy painting homes and digging peat turf for the elderly.

As part of their trip, the students, along with other youth from the area, camped on Inshfree Island. One person inhabits the island year round. While on the island the group volunteered on a number of projects, explored, kayaked, played soccer, and participated in a special Sunday morning mass. The World Cup of soccer is a major event in Ireland, and the group woke up at 7 a.m. to watch Ireland play Cameroon on a television that was brought in especially for the occasion.

Sunday, the group were special guests at the local “Mary from Dungloe” festival. This is a unique pageant celebrating women from the region. Three of the group acted as guest judges. One Monday the group climbed Mount Errigal, Ireland’s highest mountain. Through rain, wind, sleet, and sunshine, they climbed to the peak to be rewarded with a fantastic view of six surrounding counties, and a rainbow. The next few days were just as phenomenal. They visited a local castle, and did some deep sea fishing. John Hunt, one of the students participating said “This was the best experience of my life.”

The students returned on Sunday, June 9.

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For more information contact:

Stephen Lee
Communications Manager
College of the North Atlantic
(709) 643-7928