Community education framework launched in Limerick

A NEW community education framework has been launched in Southill.

Minister Patrick O’Donovan launched the National Community Education Framework in Southhill Hub.

It was developed with SOLAS, and the Further Education and Training (FET) authority, as well as other key partners from the FET sector.

This framework will deliver a more consistent approach to community education funded by SOLAS.

It provides principles and an approach to making positive changes to how people learn, and how education is provided, coordinated and funded.

Welcoming the launch of the Community Education Framework, Minister Patrick O'Donovan TD said: “Community education includes both formal and informal learning, addressing learners’ personal development, building skills while offering educational options through simplified pathways, and further opportunities to progress to other areas of FET and beyond.

“Community education plays a vital role in the FET system, and in local communities across Ireland as it offers local, accessible, and welcoming learning opportunities for individuals.

“The distinguishing factor of community education is the wide-ranging outcomes for learners, which include skills development, confidence building, greater community involvement, social justice outcomes and progression to other types of FET provision.”

As part of the event, learners including Stephanie Ryan and Macey Kelly from the Family Resource Centre in Ballynanty, Limerick, took part in a panel discussion and shared their experience of the positive impact that community education has had on their lives.

George O’Callaghan, chief executive of Limerick and Clare ETB, said that community education makes a real impact on to the lives of learners.

“There is a huge vibrancy of community education provision in Limerick city and across the region.”