City Connects initiative expanded to include 13 Limerick schools
City Connects is implemented by the Department of Education and Youth in partnership with Tusla Education Support Service and the National Centre for City Connects Ireland
THE MINISTER for Youth and Education Hildegard Naughton has announced the expansion of the City Connects programme to include more than a dozen Limerick schools.
City Connects is a whole-school approach that supports children by addressing out-of-school factors that can present significant obstacles to attendance, learning and wellbeing.
It is implemented by the Department of Education and Youth in partnership with Tusla Education Support Service and the National Centre for City Connects Ireland.
Through a dedicated City Connects coordinator, schools will systematically identify the strengths, interests and needs of each child and connect them to appropriate in-school and community-based supports and enrichment opportunities.
Limerick City and County Council has welcomed the expansion with Mayor John Moran thanking Hildegard Naughton for the inclusion of Limerick schools in the programme.
“Easy access to education for all is essential for the future of not just the kids and families involved but all of society. I also want to acknowledge and thank the staff of Limerick City and County Council who have worked closely with national agencies, schools and local stakeholders to help bring this programme to Limerick. Their collaborative efforts have been instrumental in reaching this important milestone.”
Minister Naughton commented: “Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances. The expansion of City Connects to Limerick City and Tallaght reflects this Government's commitment to tackling educational disadvantage and ensuring that children and young people have access to the supports they need to thrive in school and in life.”
The 13 schools in Limerick are: St Michael’s Infant School, Sexton Street; Our Lady of Lourdes NS, Rosbrien; Presentation Primary School, Sexton Street; Thomond Primary School, Ballynanty; St Mary’s National School, Bishop Street; Gaelscoil Sheoirse Clancy, Bóthar Bhaile An Róistigh; St John’s Girls and Infant Boys NS, Cathedral Place; Corpus Christi National School, Moyross; Our Lady Queen of Peace NS, Janesboro; Scoil Íosagáin CBS, Sexton Street; St John the Baptist, Downey Street; Le Chéile National School, Roxboro Road and Thomond Community College, Moylish Park.