This year's first Wider Horizons group, Clanrye, arrived in April and stayed for 6 weeks. The participants were from north and south of Ireland. They worked in Youth & Community placements during their stay. Here is Ryan from Dundalk alongside his boss Carole at the South Boston Neighbourhood House when Jude visited to check on how he was getting on.
As part of the Irish Immigration Center's work these visits are undertaken to check on the progress of the program participants and to keep in touch with the managers and staff at the work placements. Jude took this pic of Sean with his boss Shamekia during his placement visit.
Danielle worked at the East Boston Social Center. Jude escorted Danielle on her first day at work and then went again on this interim site visit to check on her progress too.
The 6 week program always flies in. Soon enough it was over and the closing ceremony was under way. Here are Jude and Frank taking a break during the preparation for the ceremony at the Artisits for Humanity in South Boston.
A combination of not having ate all day and dodgy eyesight has poor Frank hunched over the crisps and coke like a vulture.
Here again are Frank and Jude during the ceremony. Folk will remember Jude's mate Robert from last year. Robert came over from the University of Limerick as part of his course and was placed in the Irish Immigration Center. Well Frank is this year's 'Robert'.
Marguerite helped out with the Wider Horizoons group this year by volunteering some time to help with work visits and attending a social activity. Clare is on the board of the Irish Immigration Center. Here the two 'Belfast girls' catch up with each other before the ceremony.
Here are Jude's colleagues - Nancy, Frank and Ann Marie.
All the group participanrts have received their certificates and are in this pic alongside IIC staff Jude, Frank, Ann Marie and Clanrye supervisors Kieran (laying on floor) and Rachel (on extreme right in black).
Afterwards everyone moved to Siansa, a nice little bar near Marguerite and Jude's place. The craic was great. Someone dared Jude to do an 'Irish Dance' and of course he did just that much to the amusement of all the group. How embarrassing?!!!!!!!!
Rachel has had one beer too many at this stage as she lays down across Frank, Kieran and Ann Marie.
Kieran is from Downpatrick and has the brilliant wee number of coming out to Boston for 6 weeks every year with his work. Rachel is the overall manager of the Clanrye Group, she comes out for th final week of each group program.
'We've made it, we successfully completed the program'. The Wider Horizon groups certainly gain a lot form this program. It helps them get focussed on working, mixing with other cultures and improves their communication skills. It also provides invaluable lessons in discipline, respect and social interaction.
Tracy (extreme left), Aislinn (beside Tracy) and Jane (center between Ann Marie and Frank) have now arrived to join the craic.
With all the ceremonial activities over on Thursday night, all there was left to do for the group was one more social activity - a game of softball on Friday afternoon before going home on Saturday.
When everyone got to the pitch Frank and Jude realised they had forgotten the bases and balls. Luckily for them Ciara volunteered to bring them down to the pitch.
'Hey Ruairi, this is thirsty work mate', says Frank as he knocks back a tin of juice.
Carrie Lee and all the group participants really enjoyed their trip and this was a great way to end it for them. They all had a good laugh at the game.
Jude turned on the style today as pitcher for the 'reds'.
Michael, Ruairi, Ann Marie and Sean take a break from the action.
Ruairi has fallen through the bench, edjit!!!!
Who said white men can't jump? Is Frank jumping to avoid a wasp, to practice his new dance routine or because he's mad? Answers on a postcard please.
This game ended 23-22 to the reds. However in this game it was the taking part that mattered as the Clanrye Wider Horizons program came to an end for another year.
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