Madam, - Iain Mac Labhrainn's article "Putting social values back into learning" (Opinion & Analysis, September 19th) is both timely and significant. Universities and other third-level institutions have always been considered paramount in all areas that affect employment and economic growth. Similarly, advances in science and medicine have been achieved through laborious research.
However, the greatest changes and challenges to society today are not in these areas. It is in our concept of family and community that the most profound changes have taken place in the past 20 years and it is here that perhaps the greatest challenge facing our society is to be found. There is an urgent need to bring together a wide body of expertise to tackle this issue.
It is into this area that Céifin delved almost 10 years ago and from its base in Shannon, Co Clare, it has given a lead through a series of annual conferences that have brought together visionaries and practitioners to debate it. It has arranged workshops, seminars, undertaken several pieces of relevant research, worked with communities and schools throughout the country.
We now welcome the involvement of third-level institutions in this whole area and invite them to become part of the debate with us and with local communities. Our 10th annual conference takes place in Ennis on November 6th and 7th November. Further details are available on the website www.ceifin.com. - Yours, etc,
Fr HARRY BOHAN, Chairman, Céifin Centre for Values-led Change, Shannon Business Centre, Co Clare.