Blanchardstown Adult Education Service welcomes An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar
Blanchardstown Adult Education Service were delighted to welcome special guest, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to their end of year graduation ceremony on 31st May 2018.
Students graduated from a wide variety of courses including Business and Information Technology, Digital Media, Administration and Secretarial studies, Nursing Studies, Childcare, English Language, Adult Literacy, Community Education programmes and Skills for Work programmes. They all gathered together on a glorious sunny day in the Further Education & Training Centre on leafy Mill Road.
Adult Education Officer Sharon Hennessy hosted guests including Chief Executive of DDLETB Paddy Lavelle and Development Officers Rosemarie McGill and Geraldine Condron. Margaret McLoughlin Manager of the Mountview Family Resource Centre spoke about the value of Community Education. Two former students, Michelle Meehan and Kevin Nolan gave powerful accounts of their different learning journeys within the Adult Education Service. Rosemarie McGill launched the annual book of student writings “Prose by non-Pros”.
Chief Executive of DDLETB Mr. Paddy Lavelle congratulated the students who received certificates. He spoke about how students had made the choice to return to education and shape their own futures, and that this would have a positive and long-lasting effect on their families, friends and communities. Mr. Lavelle spoke of how “grit” – the determination to keep going when things get tough – was an important life skill which they developed in completing their course. This skill will be a strength to lean on in other aspects of their future lives.
An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar told attendees that he was delighted to be part of their celebration, particularly as the service is part of his local constituency. He spoke of the variety of courses offered in the Adult Education Service, and also of the diversity of students receiving certificates, which reflects the vibrant diversity of Dublin 15 itself. He said that the students’ families and communities would benefit from their educational achievements.
An added bonus was the glorious weather which allowed students, staff and guests to enjoy the refreshments and celebrations “al fresco”.
