The Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Dr Peter Kyle MP visits The Open University in Belfast

The Open University (the OU) has welcomed a visit from the Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Dr Peter Kyle MP, locally to their Belfast Office. 

Speaking on the visit, John D’Arcy, Director of The Open University in Ireland, said: 

“We are delighted to welcome Dr Peter Kyle MP, to meet with our committed staff and students.” 

“We took the opportunity to discuss the University’s impact across Northern Ireland, including our partnership with the Department for the Economy to deliver the Skill-up programme, success of our Community Partnership Programme which is currently helping a number of local communities in Belfast, giving people the opportunity to access higher education in their local community setting.  Our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas means we want to bring education to people all across Northern Ireland and equip them to change their lives and develop opportunities for themselves through learning." 

During his visit, Peter Kyle said:

“There’s nothing more inspiring than seeing people fulfil their potential here in Northern Ireland and The Open University is helping thousands of people, like OU graduate Michelle Laverty, do just that."

"It also great to find out more about the unique perspective of the Good Friday Agreement podcast ‘A Peace of Us’.”

"In me you’ll always have a champion for throwing open the doors to flexible education in Northern Ireland.” 

Peter Kyle also met with local student, Michelle Laverty, who graduated with an undergraduate degree in Health and Social Care.  Michelle spoke about her life changing experience studying with the OU.  Commenting on the visit Michelle said; 

“As a recent Open University graduate, I am delighted to share my personal journey of Open University study with Dr Kyle.  

“I felt that degrees were for other people, not for people like me. The OU experience has shown me that no matter what background you have, or what your life situation is, the OU team are there to support you in every step of your learning journey.”