Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan TD officially launched the Community Education Framework at the Southill Hub, Limerick, yesterday.
The publication of the Framework marks an important milestone in ensuring a more consistent approach to SOLAS-funded community education across the country.
The development of the Framework was led by SOLAS and involved an extensive consultation process with key stakeholders within the FET sector, including Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board. The document outlines principles and an approach to making positive changes in how we learn; how we provide; how we coordinate; and how we fund; community education in Ireland.
In addition to key note speeches from Minister O’Donovan, Andrew Brownlee, CEO, SOLAS and George O’Callaghan, CE, Limerick and Clare ETB, other highlights included a fireside chat with Dearbháil Lawless, CEO of Aontas. Dearbháil spoke with a passionate panel of learners which included Michelle McGoldrick and Johnny Jackson and also Macey Kelly and Stephanie Ryan two learners from the Northside Family Resource Centre who all spoke about the transformative impact of Community Education on their lives.
Welcoming the launch of the Framework, Minister O’Donovan said: “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.
“Investment in community education has grown beyond recognition in recent years, supported by Reach Funding, and we have also seen an increase in demand for community education provision. This Framework will provide a solid basis to shape how SOLAS and the ETBs fund, coordinate, support, develop and monitor community education and will ensure that we can continue to provide access to education those that need it the most.”
Speaking at the event, George O’Callaghan, CE, Limerick and Clare ETB, said: “There is a huge vibrancy of community education provision in Limerick City and across the Limerick and Clare region. Its delivery, in partnership with a network of community organisations, is making a real impact on the lives of those learners who participate, by responding to their needs. We are really pleased to see the publication of this Framework and we look forward to working with SOLAS and our colleagues across the ETB Networks to ensure that we can continue to provide this vital provision in the heart of our communities.”
Also commenting on the launch, SOLAS CEO, Andrew Brownlee said: “Community Education plays a critical and unique role in the FET system, and in local communities across Ireland. It not only benefits learners and communities, but also supports a democratic society. It is now more important than ever that we recognise community education for its ability to foster social cohesion and active citizenship.”
“Whilst the development of this Framework was led by SOLAS, it has been a collaborative process which involved key stakeholders within the FET sector, including feedback from learners. This Framework belongs to the whole FET sector, and it would not be possible without the valuable engagement and support from all of those involved.”
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