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Community Education Programme |
The Community Education Programme that is
running is Ballybough is now in its sixth year.
The primary aim of this programme is to offer
to new opportunities for adults with limited
formal education to participate in learning.
Community education provides a different experience
of learning, one that is grounded in the interests
and needs of the learner, as opposed to a more
prescriptive approach that is found in mainstream
education. The way of working that has evolved
since the establishment of the programme, classes
delivered within the community, timetable structured
to suit learners' availability, the curriculum
designed to reflect learners' needs/interests
and childcare provision have succeeded in stimulating
a strong interest in learning. The context of
learning within this community setting has opened
up possibilities to work in a way that is inclusive
and flexible. The programme which runs on a
three year cycle, has classes five mornings
per week, covers a range of subjects with the
option open to all of gaining accreditation.
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Participants on the current Community
Education Programme
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| On the current programme there are 8 women
participating, each coming to the programme
having had a mixed experience of school. In
common with others who return to learning participations
represents a significant development in their
lives. Their decision to return to learning
has, in no small part been motivated by the
example of their neighbours who had participated
in the first programme which started in 2000.
Their learning programme covers a range of subject
areas, I.T., Maths, Communications, Cultural
Studies. Consumer Awareness, Food & Nutrition
and recently added Art. FETAC accreditation
on all subjects is offered and all of the participants
have decided to pursue this option. |
| In early March 2005 the first group of participants
who completed their studies in 2004, were presented
with their FETAC Certificates at an award ceremony
hosted by Failte Ireland. |
Community Participants at Award Ceremony
in Failte Ireland
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| Progression to employment and or further
training has been one hundred percent for this
group. The training options pursued have been
quite diverse, I.T. Tutor training, Youth Studies,
Community Development and Social Care. |
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