Donations from around the world are expected for an education foundation in memory of the late Progressive Unionist Party leader David Ervine, his successor said today.
Dawn Purvis said the David Ervine Foundation would boost education, training and development amongst disadvantaged youths from across the community.
There have been promises of support from Australia, the United States and Europe after the death of the former party leader in January aged 53 from a heart attack.
There will be an annual memorial lecture and a gala fundraising dinner in Belfast next March.
Ms Purvis, new leader and holder of Mr Ervine's old seat, said: "We looked at what his passion was and it was education. We have an education system failing young people from both sides of the community from disadvantaged areas, and we want to give them opportunities that they normally would not get."
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and former British prime minister
Tony Blair were among politicians to praise Mr Ervine, who helped broker the 1994 loyalist paramilitary ceasefire.
PA