This project is aimed at assisting single rural men who are or in danger of being socially and economically excluded increase their essential and personal skills to enhance their chances of employment the quality of their lives. It has arisen through co-operation and discussion between Fermanagh College and North Leitrim Mens group where there has been recognition of the problems facing single rural men. It will build upon the work done since 1996 by the North Leitrim Mens in providing support to the target group and Fermanagh Colleges long experience of working in the community and working with community groups in providing learning programmes. The north Leitrim group considers that although the work they have done has been of immense benefit to those involved the lack of a structured training programme has inhibited further progress and re-integration into the community. Achievements: The Rural Men project, aimed at assisting men living in rural areas enhance their skills and seek alternative employment has successfully completed, it was managed and administered by Fermanagh College in partnership with North Leitrim Mens Group. A number of other key community and statutory organisations were also involved with the work such as Erne Gateway Centre, Belleek, Coillte & Teemore Training School.The project was based on recognition of the problems that were caused by the decline in agriculture, size of farms or condition of land as well as recognizing that men who had spent time caring for elderly parents or lived in isolated areas were unable to enhance their skills and obtain employment and maintain an adequate quality of life. The project originally targeted unemployed single rural males over 35 from both Fermanagh and Leitrim but was later extended to include married men as well.Problems of isolation and lack of skills for men over 35 exist on both sides of the border. The Rural Men project has shown how combining expertise and experience of different organisations can help tackle and overcome these problems. In providing support and encouragement back into learning for single rural males living in isolation; the project focused upon a target group of people who require special support and whose plight transcends borders., said Mr Pat Love of North Leitrim Mens Group.Although the original target was 60 the final number of men who participated in the programme was 95. There were 34 courses offered by the programme which included machinery handling, carpentry, ECDL and use of computers & internet skills. Out of these 34 programmes 17 offered the opportunity for beneficiaries to gain a qualification. 68% of the participants on these courses successfully gained a certificate in their chosen course. Of the 95 enrolled beneficiaries 4 progressed into part time employment,10 into full time employment and 19 onto other forms of training programmes as a direct result of the Rural Men Project. To increase social interaction and to raise profile of the project locally the project organised events including a Social Evening, Careers Guidance and Information Session and a Healthy Living Day.One of the very positive outcomes of the project was the establishment of the Fermanagh Mens Network. This new group aims to maintain the work of the Rural Men Project by helping men of Fermanagh continue and achieve their personal goals within education and training.