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Apr 15

VTOS Open Day 2019 helps long-term unemployed return to full-time education

by richanthon in Community, Education, Learning, News 0 comments 1679

Pictured at the VTOS Limerick 2019 open day is style queen Celia Holman Lee along with artists from across Limerick. Picture: Conor Owens/ilovelimerick.

VTOS Open Day 2019 helps long-term unemployed return to full-time education

By ilovelimerick correspondent Chloe Reidy

The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme Limerick Open Day 2019 was a great success for Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board at the Further Education and Training Centre, Kilmallock Road Campus. The open day took place on Thursday, April 11, from 11 am to 2.30 pm and was part of the Limerick Lifelong Learning Festival 2019.

The open day was a big success, with visitors and prospective learners having the opportunity to visit information stands and hear about the courses on offer at the centre.

Patricia Kennedy, the coordinator of VTOS tells me, “The day was such a great opportunity for the public to visit and see what courses that we have on offer. We have brilliant facilities and the staff are wonderful, and dedicated to supporting the students.”

Events that took place on the day included the Portrait Artist Festival, The Irish Revolution 1919-1922 and ‘What is Social Enterprise?’.

Jayne Foley who teaches the Art, Craft, Design class said, ‘The Portrait Artist Festival gave students of the Art, Craft, Design class and members of the public an opportunity to create a portrait of Irish model, fashion stylist and television presenter, Celia Holman Lee. Celia was so much fun and so enthusiastic and kind to the artists. What a lady!”

Celia said of the event, ‘I’m delighted to have the opportunity to take part in such a wonderful event that encourages lifelong learning. I believe we never stop learning and should always strive to learn and grow to the best of our abilities, so to be able to contribute in this small way is a great privilege’.

The Irish Revolution 1919 – 1922 lecture was a discussion about the Civil War, in honour of its 100th anniversary held by historian Frank Noonan.

The last event ‘What is Social Enterprise?’, gave local social entrepreneurs the opportunity to meet one another and speak about how to make a positive social impact on our society.

Earlier that week, on Tuesday, April 9, VTOS Limerick held an Intercultural Day for others to experience the great diversity of cultures at the Kilmallock Road Campus, with global food stands, tribal drumming and plenty of music on offer.

The VTOS Open Day 2019 was a chance for the Further Education and Training Centre to show to the public what courses they have on offer. The centre offers both the Junior and Leaving Certificates, with nine subjects to choose from for the Leaving Certificate, which is studied over the course of one year, instead of typically two. Other courses on offer, are Career Pathways, English for Work, Retail Sales, Healthcare Support, Office Administration, all ranging from QQI Major Award Levels 3-5.

VTOS is designed to help long-term unemployed return to full-time education without losing their social welfare benefits. VTOS will help participants make the transition back into paid employment or back to further education and eventually leading to paid employment. Participants will make new friends; acquire valuable education qualifications in an adult friendly environment.

The centre also provides many other benefits, which include, books and equipment being supplied, assistance with the cost of childcare/creche, examination fees paid for, free parking on campus, state of the art facilities and meal and travel allowance, including a direct bus to the city centre.

The Lifelong Learning Festival ran from April 8 -14 and is the culmination of work by various partners in promoting learning for all ages throughout the Limerick region in what is promised to be a week of fun and engaging activities, which are free and open to everyone.

For more information on VTOS Limerick, go here.

For more stories on VTOS Limerick, go here.

 

Apr 01

Thomond Community College Multicultural Day 2019

by richanthon in Awareness, Education, News, School 0 comments 1809

Richard pictured at the multicultural day with student Jennifer Ikponmwosa, Sr. Bridget O’Connell, teacher and organiser Siobhan Conway, Principal Norma O’Brien and student Aisha Garba. Picture: Orla McLaughlin/ilovelimerick.

PHOTO & VIDEO – Thomond Community College Multicultural Day 2019

Thomond Community College Multicultural Day 2019 was held Friday, March 29 and there were plenty of colourful photo opportunities available with participating students in national costume. Richard Lynch was honoured to be the Master of Ceremonies again for the eighth consecutive year. Previously, the event was held at the Salesians School before it closed three years ago and every year the event is organised by an amazing teacher named Siobhan Conway.

Thomond Community College Multicultural Day 2019 was a hugely worthwhile, inclusive event, which gave each and every student the opportunity to showcase their home nation and educate their fellow students. To see the pride of students in their native traditions and language is just wonderful. So many students can truly find a voice through this event and all in attendance, students, staff, parents, and guests, learned so much – it truly is an education for all. The day created a real opportunity to celebrate both diversity and integration.

Thomond Community College Multicultural Day 2019

Pictured at the Multicultural Day 2019 is the Thomond Community College Choir. Picture: Orla McLaughlin/ilovelimerick.

Teacher Siobhan Conway said, “Thomond Community College Multicultural Day 2019 gave a well-deserved forum to the citizens of the new Ireland, and a real opportunity to share heritage. This is a unique event across the schools of the Limerick-Clare E.T.B., and indeed further afield, attracting praise from Limerick migrant rights organisation Doras Luimni over the years. This initiative was running for almost 10 years in Salesian Secondary School and was called Salesians Multicultural Day– Integration through Education. Following amalgamation and the establishment of Thomond Community College in September 2016, there was no hesitation in continuing with an event of such enormous popularity and previous success. At a time when it was never more important to demonstrate leadership in integration this event really is a worthwhile initiative.”

Countries that were showcased at Thomond Community College Multicultural Day 2019 include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Lithuania, Nigeria, Pakistan, Morroco, South Africa, Poland, Nigeria, The Congo, The USA, and Syria to name just a few! Each country had a visual display of all that makes their individual cultures unique and interesting, including fun facts, history and weather information. Many of the students also wore traditional costumes for the day. Delicious food, prepared and cooked by the students and their families, further reflected the intercultural theme.

An afternoon of international music and dance attended by the whole school brought the celebrations to an end. The afternoon’s acts included members of the Rusangano Family as part of Music Generation Limerick, trad group Gale Force, dancer Tara Ludden and singer Michelle Grimes accompanied by the school choir.

For more information on Thomond Community College, click here

For more stories featuring Thomond’s Multicultural day, click here

Jul 29

VIDEO Limerick 2020 bid Street Party

by richanthon in Art, Award, Awareness, Children, Community, Competition, Culture, Dance, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, I Love Limerick, Inspirational, Learning, Local Buisness, News, Press, Promo, Youth 0 comments 4545

 

Limerick 2020 bid

Announcing details of the event at upper O’Connell Street, Limerick were, Catherine Ryan and Laura Malone of Fidget Feet with Limerick localTom Muldowney, Henry Street. Picture: Alan Place/ilovelimerick.

The excitement is building up as the countdown for the ECOC jury panel’s review of Limerick on Tuesday, July 12 starts coming closer. Limerick has got one last chance to push the city’s European Capital of Culture Limerick 2020 bid with a spectacular street party to celebrate the magical journey of the campaign.

While the ECOC jury panel reviews the city and the cultural institutions, thousands of the city’s citizens will get to indulge themselves in culinary delicacies, art and musical culture. The event will start up around midday and finish in the evening.

The public will be treated to various events including the Culture and Chips food carnival on O Connell Ave from noon onwards, a taste of international cuisine with the World Recipe Exchange, and lots of gatherings at venues such as the Hunt Museum, Howley’s Quay and O’Connell Street’s urban garden.

Daniel O’Connell’s whole block on upper O’Connell Street between Hartstonge Street and Barrington Street (the area known as The Crescent in the Georgian Quarter) will become party central as Culture & Chips Takes To The Streets from noon until evening.

If Limerick succeeds, it will indeed be historic. It’ll also be – according to estimates – worth around €170m to the city. Limerick won’t get to enter the European Capital of Culture again for another 15 years so that’s also why there is such a huge push to try and succeed.

The Limerick 2020 bid team makes its final presentation to the panel at the National Concert Hall in Dublin on July 14 and the winner being announced the following day. It’s a tough competition as Limerick competes against Galway, Waterford, Wexford and Kilkenny for the title.

Bid director Mike Fitzpatrick said that now is “the right time” for Limerick to earn the prestigious title. “Limerick is aware that the jury is in town, but it’s not about the jury; it is about having a moment to say, ‘Look how far we have come’ in terms of how culture has formed part of everyday life in Limerick. Whatever happens on July 15, whatever the decision is, culture will remain at the centre of what we do. It has given us so much confidence and belief in ourselves.”

Bid deputy director, Sheila Deegan, said the festive day “may go down as one of the most important days for the city.”

“Win or lose with the Limerick 2020 bid, we have achieved an awful lot and it is time to celebrate so we are asking that as many people as possible to turn out and enjoy this party with us. The journey has awakened a real sense of cultural identity in Limerick and a wider awareness of just how rich, diverse and talented our cultural heritage is. We were Ireland’s first City of Culture and we certainly showed over the course of that magical year just how much Limerick has found its cultural voice and it is now singing from the rooftops.”

SOME HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Limerick Street Food, run with Limerick Council: this weekly pretty market of tents will deck out on Harvey’s Quay on Tuesday 12, 11am to 4pm.
  • For a serving of culture with a side of chips, Culture & Chips Takes To The Streets in conjunction with Limerick 2020 are throwing a street party of food, culture, performance on Tuesday 12, 12.30pm-7pm at The Crescent, O Connell Ave.
  • The new Urban Garden on O’Connell Street will host the Gig in the Garden from 2.30pm: “an eclectic mix of home-grown talent” led by The Harmony in Hands Deaf Community Choir.
  • Hunt Museum Garden Party begins at 2.30pm with face painting and artists creating new works, all to a jazz accompaniment.
  • Children head to Ormston House for the Science Magic Show, 3pm, which promises “an explosive time with chemistry and magic to enthrall”.
  • International class pipe organist David Casson plays in concert free at Sacred Heart Church, The Crescent at 8pm. Part of Limerick Pipe Organ Festival.

Read more about Limerick 2020 here

Follow Limerick 2020 on Twitter  here

Mar 08

Young Social Innovators with Luke Culhane

by richanthon in Awareness, Children, Community, Culture, Dance, Education, Entertainment, Events, I Love Limerick, Inspirational, Learning, News, Press, Promo, School, Youth 0 comments 2910

Young Social Innovators from St. Munchin’s College, Limerick advocate for Team Limerick Cleanup at the Lime Tree Theatre. Pictured with Richard Lynch at the Speak Out were Jack Kingston, Sean Skelton, Andrew Tierney and Luke Culhane of #CreateNoHate. Picture: Derek Speirs.

21 schools have taken part in the Young Social Innovators Speak Out that took place in Limerick as part of the YSI Speak Out Tour 2016 which will visit seven counties throughout March and April. The Speak Out Tour is part of the Young Social Innovators of the Year Awards supported by Ulster Bank.

Over 6,500 students throughout Ireland are taking part in Young Social Innovators this year working
in 450 teams to tackle social issues affecting them and their communities. 60 teams will be shortlisted to compete for the national title of Young Social Innovators of the Year on the 10th of May 2016 in Citywest Hotel and Convention Centre. Young Social Innovators challenges young people to work within their communities to identify areas of need and to come up with and implement solutions for positive social change.

Young Social Innovators with Luke Culhane

Young Social Innovators from St. Munchin’s College, Limerick advocate for road safety at the Lime Tree Theatre, Limerick. Pictured with Richard Lynch of ilovelimerick.ie at the Speak Out sponsored by Ulster Bank were Jack Kingston, Sean Skelton, Andrew Tierney, Claire Culhane and Luke Culhane. Photo by Derek Speirs

The Speak Out Tour gives young innovators the opportunity to come together to present their creative ideas and actions as well as a chance to see what other teams are doing to tackle their chosen social issues. Teams are given two minutes on stage to present their social innovation to an audience of their peers, invited guests and a YSI Panel. The events give teenagers a platform and voice in society and a way of contributing to real life issues impacting on lives around Ireland and beyond.  The teams that presented at the Speak Out in Lime Tree Theatre Limerick spoke on a wide range of issues including mental health, body image, autism and sexual and gender identity.

The guest speakers for the Limerick event were Richard Lynch of I Love Limerick and Luke Culhane from #createnohate, whose video about cyberbullying has gone viral and has been watched all over the globe.

The Young Social Innovators of the Year Awards is now in its 15th year.  This year, 6,500 teenagers are working on 450 projects from 211 schools looking at a very diverse range of issues including integration, equality, crime, health, safety, homelessness, intergenerational initiatives and more. CEO of Young Social Innovators, Rachel Collier said: “YSI offers a unique opportunity for young people enabling them to grapple with difficult social issues, advocate reform and advance change. This experience boosts their ability to deal with uncertainty and change, a hallmark of today’s world.

YSI prepares young people for life and work and has both social and commercial value. We want  young people to become innovators in their own lives and be resourceful in creating positive change and solutions in the world around them. The energy felt at these events must be experienced and we wish all the participants the best of luck in progressing their projects and continuing to advocate for change in their communities. We are of course grateful to Ulster Bank and all our partners for their support and look forward to increasing our reach and impact into the future.” Ulster Bank’s partnership with the programme is part of its ongoing commitment to fostering social innovation and entrepreneurship from a young age, and to build on its strong community legacy of education evident in its MoneySense and Skills & Opportunities fund programmes.

Speaking about YSI and the Speak Out Tour, Cathal Daly, Regional Manager, Retail Banking, Ulster Bank said: “One of Ulster Bank’s goals as a business is to enable growth through innovation which is why we’ve focused investment on financial education, entrepreneurship and skills programmes for young people. We want to inspire a new generation of social innovators. Our partnership with YSI extends beyond financial support, to include volunteering our business skills and insights – from our experience working in communities across the country – to help raise the voices of our talented youth who hold the future of positive change in this country in their hands.”

For more information about the event you can check out Young Social Innovators website here

Follow YSI on Facebook and Twitter

Follow Luke Culhane on Twitter, YouTube and Instagram

For more related check out the I Love Limerick site here

Nov 06

Rugby legend Paul O Connell awarded UL doctorate honour

by richanthon in Award, Community, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, I Love Limerick, Inspirational, News, Old Posts, Press, Promo, Sports, Support 0 comments 3650
Rugby legend Paul O Connell awarded UL doctorate honour

Dr Paul O Connell with Richard Lynch from I Love Limerick. Photo by Jonathan Baynes for ILoveLimerick.com

Limerick rugby legend Paul O Connell was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science at a ceremony in front of 1,000 invited guests on Thursday November 5, 2015.

The former Ireland captain, who bowed out of international rugby after picking up a hamstring injury at the World Cup last month, is the 100th person to receive an honorary doctorate at the University of Limerick.

Irish head coach Joe Schmidt, Munster players past and present, his family and friends, including wife Emily, son Paddy and daughter Lola were at this special event celebrating.

“I am delighted, I am a bit overwhelmed by it. I had a look through the list of previous conferees – it is great company that I will be keeping. I had a lovely phone call from Declan Kidney this morning – I was at his conferring previously,” said Paul.

O’Connell, who won 108 Irish caps over a glorious Irish career, said that the University, where he completed three of four years of a computer engineering degree before professional rugby came calling in 2001, had played a “big part” in his life.

“When you grow up in Limerick, the University ends up being a big part of your life, even if you don’t go here as a student,” he said.

“To get appreciated by your home university is something that is very special. I have played in teams all my life, great Munster and Irish teams and to be getting individual honours sometimes when you play a team sport is a bit strange and it can be a bit embarrassing because you are never in that situation, it is never about the individual when you are part of a team.

For 15 years the Munster icon has trained almost daily on campus in UL, and has a long association with the campus that dates back his days as a swimmer in the original PESS swimming pool as a four or five year old, he explained.

Asked about a break with that routine now with his move to Toulon in the offing – albeit with months of rehab for his injury ahead of him – he said simply: “It is part of life, part of the circle of life.

“I think the Toulon move is something I gave a lot of thought to and I swayed back and forth as to whether it was the right thing or the wrong thing to do. But I think for whatever I want to do for the rest of my life, I think I will be all the better for having this experience and it is something I am really looking forward to,” he said.

“Limerick will always be my home and it will always be somewhere I would like to come back to.”

O’Connell explained why he wouldn’t rule out a return to education in the future: “I have had good excuses with having two kids and having a senior role in the Irish team and Munster team as well. I have toyed with it, I have come in and spoken to the University plenty of times about the possibility of coming back and doing various things and I cooled on the idea as well. But I probably have 18 months left playing rugby and I will be taking a little bit of time out after that and who knows, I could end up back here as a student as well,” he admitted.

UL President Professor Don Barry paid tribute to the rugby legend, who has been a director of the UL Foundation since 2011, saying that the occasion was an “opportunity to honour those who have inspired, who have led with courage and passion and who have made great contributions in their fields of endeavour.

“Much thought, consideration and deliberation goes into deciding who is worthy – except when it is a real-life super hero, and particularly when his name is Paul O’Connell.

“Today I am very proud that UL bestowed upon Paul our highest honour. He was already an important member of the UL family, but today he accepted a place in the history of this institution,” he added.

Read Richard’s tribute to Paul O Connell here.

Read more about Paul O Connell here.

Read more about UL here.

Watch our exclusive interview with rugby legend Paul O Connell 

Jun 30

Limerick Pride 2015 launch at Dolan’s Warehouse

by richanthon in Advertisement, Art, Audio, Business, Charity, Community, Culture, Dance, Education, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Festival, Gay, I Love Limerick, Inspirational, Learning, Local Buisness, News, Nightlife, Old Posts, Parade, Performance, Photos, Press, Pride, Promo, Support, Video, Youth 0 comments 3198

 

Limerick Pride 2015 launch at Dolan's Warehouse

Pictured: Mrs Elsie Cox, Myles Breen, Richard Lynch, Mayor Jerry O’Dea and Aladdin Kishk. Picture by: Jonathan Baynes.

The countdown to Limerick Pride  2015 officially began with the press launch at Dolan’s in Limerick City on Mon, June 29.

At the Limerick Pride 2015 launch Patrick McElligott, Chairperson of Limerick Pride said: “We are thrilled to be able to offer a fantastic line up for Limerick Pride 2015, running from Tues, July 14 until Sun, July 19. There is something for everyone culminating in the annual Pride Parade on Saturday July 18 and the PrideFest party directly after the Parade.  We want to welcome everyone to join us in celebrating LGBT culture in Limerick and show Limerick for the truly open and accepting city that she is. It is set to build on the success and positive energy of previous years festivals, promoting community spirit, community engagement and celebration. This past year the Irish LGBT community has received resounding support from the wider Irish community in their support of equal rights and marriage equality so this will be reflected in this year’s Pride Parade. We will celebrate our freedom and the opportunity we have been given as a community to develop the concept of the family unit within our community.”

Jerry O’Dea, newly appointed Mayor of Metropolitan District of Limerick, showed his support for the LGBT movement at the launch, adding: “In previous years, people who have participated in Pride have felt that this annual event was their only time to be truly express themselves. Since the passing of the marriage referendum, Ireland’s LGBT population has been joined by the wider population in celebration.”

The Limerick Pride Festival 2015 will be taking place starting on Tues, July 14 with events each day until Sunday July 19 and will feature a multitude of events, from educational workshops and discussions to evenings of music and club nights, to cater to the Pride needs of everyone.

This year’s Pride will have an educational aspect. Workshops will be held during the week covering topics such as a Coming Out, Sexual Empowerment and social groups for people of all ages, orientations and genders. All will be welcome to the workshops regardless of their sexual orientation giving the people of Limerick City an opportunity to get to know the Limerick LGBT community more and everyone is encouraged to get involved.

For the first time ever, The Mr and Ms Gay Limerick competition on Sat, July 11 will be held before the Limerick Pride festival at the Best Western Pery Hotel at 9pm, hosted by Paul Ryder with Regina George taking to the decks once the winners have been crowned to entertain us with the best party music around. Tickets are priced at €10.

Limerick Pride’s official Launch night on Tues, July 14 will be in “Stroker’s Gay Bar” on William Street with champagne, finger food and dance floor musical treats.

The ‘Pride Wedding Show’, a wedding fair established in 2014 as part of Limerick Pride Festival, will take place on Wed July 15 at the Limerick Strand Hotel. Sharon McMeel, an award winning wedding planner, said about the fair: “We’ll have different suppliers and vendors there, so all couples regardless of their sexual orientation will have a good opportunity to get answers to their important questions if they are considering getting married. With the historic ‘Yes’ vote this year for the marriage referendum, we actually had many engagements on the day of the referendum. It’s great to be able to look out for all the people who have gotten newly engaged.”

The annual Pride Parade on Sat, July 18, bring some extra colour and music to Limerick City Centre, gathering at City Hall at 2pm, the Parade will make its way at 3pm up O’Connell Street, across Mallow Street to Henry Street, past Arthurs Quay Park and returning to the Potato Market for PrideFest 2015 – a showcase of LGBT Culture in Limerick that you will not want to miss!

This years Grand Marshall will be none other than Limerick legend, actor, director and playwright, Myles Breen. Myles has been a stanch advocate of LGBT rights for decades and in 2009 as part of Limerick Pride, staged his play “Language UnBecoming a Lady”, telling the story of one gay man’s life in Limerick and it left a profound effect on audiences in Limerick. Now as Myles is about to take the play to New York in Sept, it is fitting that he leads the community in their walk through the streets of Limerick celebrating their freedom and new-found equal rights. Myles said: “I am beyond honoured to be asked to be the Grand Marshall of this years Parade. Growing up in Limerick in the 70’s and 80’s, I never dreamed of one day leading a Parade through the streets of my beloved hometown in celebration of equal human rights for the LGBT community. It’s a dream come through and I feel my life has come full circle. I hope everyone comes out to help me celebrate!”

That night after Pridefest, the main “Climax Party” at Dolan’s Warehouse, will feature “Dragged Up” star Paul Ryder and guests Pixie Woo and Victoria Secret performing their colorful show full of energy and movement, followed by DJ Ruth on the main floor and a “Saved by the 90’s” party upstairs.

A full line-up for Pride week can be found at the Limerick Pride website, with updates on their Facebook and Twitter pages. Tag your photos and comments about this years Pride with #ExpressYourselfLimerick.

For media inquires email the Chair of Limerick Pride at [email protected]

For more information on Limerick Pride, click here

Check out the Limerick LGBTQ Facebook here

Check out the Limerick Pride Twitter here

To read more about Limerick Pride, click here

Apr 17

JP McManus finances MIC students with disabilities

by richanthon in Business, Charity, Community, Education, I Love Limerick, Inspirational, Learning, News, Old Posts, Press, Promo, School, Support 0 comments 3253

JP McManus Fund finances programme for students with disabilities at Mary Immaculate College

JP McManus finances MIC students with disabilities, the JP McManus Fund recently announced details of its intention to provide much needed funding to the Certificate in General Learning and Personal Development (CGLPD) programme at Mary Immaculate College (MIC) Limerick.

The CGLPD programme, which has been in existence in the College since 2013, has as its main aim to enhance the quality of life of young adults with intellectual disabilities by providing third level opportunities.  MIC, the only provider of teacher education in the country to offer this accredited programme, receives no public funding towards the programme as current national policy has yet to recognise that adults with intellectual disabilities are entitled to study at a higher education campus.

Anne O’Byrne, Lecturer in Inclusive Education, MIC, first investigated the possibility of hosting this programme at MIC in 2009 as according to her “Traditionally, young adults with intellectual disabilities have not been given the opportunity to participate in third level education. While third level education is a valuable pursuit for young adults in society, it has not generally been afforded to this group, who historically have occupied marginalised identities. A third level education experience allows students to develop and mature in an educational and social context and assists with future employment prospects”.

The two year programme is devoted to the academic learning, personal growth and career development prospects of the student whereby the full development of each student’s potential, dignity and self-worth is embraced. The programme, according to Prof. Michael A Hayes, President of MIC; “is an example of what can be accomplished by thinking ‘outside of the box’. This initiative represents a radical reconceptualisation of third level education. Mary Immaculate College has been to the forefront of the development of inclusive practice at preschool, primary and post primary levels and this initiative represents an opportunity to apply those values, skills and attitudes to our own third level setting”.

While the programme in CGLPD programme has direct benefits for the students enrolled on the programme, there are also many benefits for the students’ peers and the larger student body at MIC. According to Prof. Teresa O’Doherty, Dean of Education, MIC, this programme has potential for far greater impact than would be possible on other campuses as it is situated within a Faculty of Education which is home to 1400 pre-service teachers and 300 early childhood educators. “The exposure and engagement of MIC’s total student body to the programme will have ramifications for approaches and attitudes to the inclusion of young children within Irish schools and crèches nationally” she said. “As teacher education providers we need to challenge all our students to be advocates for inclusion, we need to enable them to view inclusion as a normal way of working each and every day. Equity and equality must motivate our work and theirs in the classroom, and they need to be prepared adequately to live out their commitment to inclusion within schools”. 

According to Prof. O’Doherty international research has shown that one of the greatest barriers to successful inclusion is the attitude of teachers. “Teachers need to have positive attitudes, tolerance and understanding of inclusion and diversity. They need to be convinced of the benefits of inclusion and develop a sense of responsibility for all learners.  The continued provision of the CGLPD programme on the MIC campus will have a cascading impact on the schools and early childhood settings in which they will ultimately work”.

Speaking on her hopes for the programme Anne O’Byrne said “We at Mary Immaculate College believe that this programme will increase access to work life experiences as well as nurturing educational and social outcomes for students with intellectual disabilities and further extend their personal capacity to become self-determining human beings.  My hope is that this programme will cause us all to reflect on the dignity of the person, what it is to be human, and to accept, quite simply, that who we are is enough”.

The JP McManus Benevolent Fund supports local community initiatives and non-profit organisations throughout the Mid-West of Ireland. To date it has awarded an impressive €11,367,667 to community, healthcare, local infrastructure and education development projects.  Prof. Hayes, paid tribute to the JP McManus Benevolent Fund saying “We are indebted to the JP McManus Benevolent Fund for their generous funding of €200,000 towards this programme, ensuring its future for the next four years.   MIC’s Mission Statement commits ‘to promote equity in society and to provide an environment where all have freedom and opportunity to achieve their full potential’.  This funding further enables us to deliver on our commitment to inclusivity”.

Continuing he said; “We believe that the learning from this initiative will inform inclusive policy and practice at third level in the future locally, nationally and internationally”.  He concluded by paying tribute to the programmes partners, the Brothers of Charity in Ennis, Enable Ireland in Limerick, St. Cronan’s Association Ltd., and St. Joseph’s Foundation.

Commenting on behalf of the JP McManus Benevolent Fund, Ms. Sue Ann Foley, Chairperson, said;“We are delighted to support such a wonderful initiative like CGLPD.  A programme like this serves to benefit not only the students and their families, but the wider community involved. Supporting educational initiatives is an important criteria for the Fund and we look forward to monitoring the progress of those involved.”

Although further philanthropic funding will be required to fully meet the resource requirements of the CGLPD programme the College is confident it will secure the necessary funds and the programme will continue as planned with the next intake commencing in September 2015.

For more information, check out JP McManus’s Benevolent Fund website here
Check out JP McManus’s Benevolent Fund Facebook here
Check out Mary Immaculate College’s website here
Check out Mary Immaculate College’s Facebook here
Check out Mary Immaculate College’s Twitter here.
Read more about JP McManus’s Benevolent Fund here and Mary Immaculate College here.

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