Today we have a guest post by Irene Goldrick, a teacher at Blackrock Further Education Institute, who participated in a five day, fully funded, Erasmus+ CDP course in Malaga, Spain last month.

Getting there

Around 1pm on Sunday 19^th March, eight BFEI (Blackrock Further Education Institute) teachers gathered in Dublin airport in an atmosphere of anticipation, excitement, and a little trepidation prior to our flight to Malaga, Spain for five days of CPD (Continuing Professional Development). The CPD was fully funded  through the Erasmus+ programme coordinated by Leargas.  Landing around 8pm we were collected and brought to our amazing accommodation on Calle Constancia and unpacked. Shortly after we headed out on foot to explore, get out bearings and attend to our rumbling tummies!

DDLETB BFEI Erasmus Malaga

Day 1

An early start on Monday to ensure we arrived on time at our training centre. En route we found a delightful bakery – Pasteleria La Canasta, this was to become our regular spot for breakfast, where we could enjoy a Malaga delicacy – the “torta loco” a custard-based pastry. Fortified with our café con leche and a substantial amount of carbs we went to meet our wonderful facilitator, Nicole, in Innovation Campus, Malaga Urban Technopole on Calle Carretería. A beautiful, period building, thoughtfully renovated, setting the tone for what would be a stimulating, yet mentally challenging five days of professional development.

Our first day focused on Mindfulness – the practice of being present in the moment, which in turn trains us to become more mindful throughout the day, particularly during demanding situations. All of us felt this practice would be hugely beneficial in a teaching environment. To wind down after, some of the group opted for a quick dip in the Mediterranean Sea whilst others opted for a relaxing walk along the beach.

Day 2

Up early and off to Innovation Campus. Today our focus would be on developing our Leadership skills. Again, through Nicole’s skilled facilitation we explored the characteristics of a good leader and identified in ourselves our leadership qualities and how we might apply these skills in a professional context.  This session was particularly insightful and helped to awaken and develop our leadership qualities.

After an intensive morning, it was time to relax and explore some of the rich historical sites in Malaga. The amazing Castillo de Gibralfaro sits on a hill overlooking Malaga port dating back to the 10th century. The castle is famous for its three-month siege by the Catholic monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, which ended only when hunger forced the Malagueños to surrender.

DDLETB BFEI Erasmus Trip Words

Day 3

Rested and refreshed, Conflict Resolution was the theme for day 3 of the training.  A welcome development brought the arrival of some Italian colleagues from a school in Rome to join our session. Our warm and friendly Italian colleagues brought an interesting and insightful understanding of how culture, language and traditions can affect how we approach conflict resolution.

A stunning day in Malaga, the Irish delegates opted in the afternoon for a wonderful boat ride to take in the fresh air, sun and beautiful coastal scenery. As a group, we reflected on how Malaga looked very different from a coastal aspect. This paralleled with the day’s learnings from Conflict Resolution – we need to take time to reflect on how perspective on an issue can be very different, depending on the viewpoint.

Day 4

Our fourth training session took a deeper dive into Conflict Resolution – this culminated in a role play where diametrically opposed sides sort to resolve the conflict by understanding each other’s needs. Facilitating the process, Nicole gave us a greater understanding of Marshal Rosenberg’s Non-Violent Communication (NVC).  Rosenberg developed NVC in the 1960s as a tool to implement the desegregation of schools in the United States. The key tenet of this approach is to help people connect with their own humanity and that of others respectfully, compassionately, and peacefully.

This was quite an intensive session, and all later welcomed some cultural relief by viewing the Cathedral of Malaga, a magnificent building styled on renaissance architecture. Close by the Museo Picasso. A debate ensued as to those who favoured Picasso’s modernistic artistic approach or “Cubism” and those that favoured impressionism.   What better way to put Conflict Resolution into practice!! To conclude the evening, one thing that we all agreed on was the superb Flamenco concert. An enriching display of Spanish dancing, singing and guitar playing that brought clapping and smiling in unison.

Day 5

Up earlier than usual to pack and check out. Today’s session focused on Decision Making, this challenged us to reflect on our decision-making approaches and to consider our needs and feelings but also the needs and feelings of those who may be impacted by our decisions.  In a teaching environment, being able to articulate clearly the reason for our decisions helps us to communicate openly, honestly and effectively with students and colleagues.

To mark the end of our CPD a wonderful lunch was enjoyed, reflections and experiences shared and a final stroll through the beautiful streets of Malaga before our flight home.

DDLETB BFEI Erasmus Trip Malaga

Reflection and thanks

It was an incredible opportunity to progress our CPD in Malaga.  Being away from our normal routine gave us the space to reflect and engage in Mindfulness, Leadership Skills, Conflict Resolution and Decision-Making in a meaningful and challenging manner.  A sincere thanks to our management team and colleagues in BFEI for all their long hours of work managing, supporting, and encouraging the Erasmus+ programme for students and staff.  Thank you to Nicole for facilitating such a challenging and interesting CPD agenda. Also, thanks to European Era for their support and partnership. Finally, to my experienced colleagues that I had the pleasure and privilege to spend time with, learn from, laugh with and continue my personal professional development journey – thank you.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (D/CEDIY) has made funding available in 2023 for a small capital equipment grant for youth clubs or similar organisations that have or are in receipt of a grant under the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme.

Completed application forms must be returned no later than Wednesday 18th May 2022.

Capital grants of up to a maximum of €750 per funded organisation will be made available for eligible expenditure incurred over the period 1 January to 31 December 2023.

Each ETB has been given an allocation and has been asked to assess applications and prioritise these to make the best use of this allocation.  It is important to note the following:

• All grants are made at the discretion of the Education and Training Board.
• There is a limited amount of funding available and not all applications may receive funding on this occasion.
• Any applications that cannot be funded on this occasion may be reconsidered should additional funding become available.
• Eligible funded organisations/information centres/clubs

Eligible funded organisations/information centres/clubs

The scheme is open to those at 1 January 2023 which are operating or will operate during 2023 as a youth club/organisation that:
received a grant under the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme in 2022, or has applied for or is in receipt of a 2023 grant under the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme.

Download The Application Form

Youth Club Equipment Grant 2023 Guidance and Application Form

Please ensure you complete every section of the form; please DO NOT leave any section blank. Please state NOT APPLICABLE in sections not relevant to your application.

If you require any assistance in completing this application, please contact your local Education and Training Board Youth/Liaison Officer.

Applications that are submitted with incomplete information will lead to a delay.  It may not be possible to assess such applications and as a result the applicant may lose the opportunity to be included in the scheme.

Submitting your Application/deadlines

Applications must be submitted to the local Education and Training Board by the specified closing date. One application is permitted per youth club/organisation.

Completed application forms must be returned no later than Wednesday 18th May 2022 to:
Kayla O’Hara
Dublin & Dun Laoghaire ETB
1 Tuansgate
Belgard Square East,
Tallaght Dublin 24

Send your completed form to kaylaohara@ddletb.ie

The Local Youth Club Grant Scheme (LYCGS) supports volunteer-led youth club/group activities at a local level. Funding for the Scheme is provided by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) and is administered locally by Education and Training Boards (ETBs) on behalf of DCEDIY. The ETB is considered to be a co-grantor for this Scheme.

The Scheme supports voluntary youth club/group activities for young people; with priority given to clubs/groups catering for young people aged 10–21. The primary focus of the Scheme is to assist local, volunteer-led youth clubs/groups that provide a programme of youth work activities for young people. In addition, other clubs/groups that work with young people, but are not specifically providing youth work, are also entitled to apply for funding under the Scheme.

To support the work of volunteers, and to ensure that quality standards are adhered to in their work with young people, DCEDIY has incorporated the National Quality Standards for Volunteer-led Youth Groups (NQSVLYG) into the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme (LYCGS).

Download the LYCGS 2023 Application Form.

Download the Guidance Document Here.

Closing date for complete applications is 14th April 2023. Please send it to kaylaohara@ddletb.ie

DDLETB Our Hero Jack McFadden

Our ETB Hero for 2023 Jack was a student in the Croi ASD class for 6 Years in Colàiste Pobail Setanta and graduated in May 2021. Jack is on the ASD spectrum and also has Dyslexia.Jack accessed all his classes in Croi for the 1st three years of his post-primary education. With the support of the School leaders, staff and students and in particular his SEN Coordinator Frances Shannon and his SNA  …….He then attended Transition Year in mainstream and went on to sit 6 Leaving Certificate subjects with the additional difficulties of the recent pandemic.

Jack graduated in May 2021 and is currently a student at Trinity College Dublin.

DDLETB Our Hero Jack McFadden with Adrian Teacher and Caitriona

Jack is a prime example of how our students over time progress from intense scaffolding in the Croi classroom (or support classrooms) in their earlier years to mainstream in Senior Cycle supported by SNA and SET hours.

Jack is a dedicated swimmer and not only did he excel academically, but he also excelled in his sporting endeavours.   Jacks dedication and hard work took him to the 2019 Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi, where he went on to win two Gold medals and one bronze medal for the 100m and 200m breaststroke.

“Training started at 5 am,  five days a week, and then I had galas at the weekend. I was always aiming to beat my personal best. But I always managed to balance my swimming commitments with my academic work” Jack McFadden.

Jack began swimming when he was four years old and joined the Special Olympics club Phoenix Flyers in Coolmine, back in 2014. He believes that swimming has taught him the benefits of life, how to deal with failure and setbacks, and how to be part of a team.

DDLETB Our Hero Jack McFadden 

“For me, I have seen my confidence grow, and I have developed resilience and independence through my hard work and dedication to the sport” Jack McFadden.

The entire DDLETB community is very proud of Jack’s academic and sporting achievements.

“All of these things that I have achieved were with the help of my family, friends, teachers, school community, teammates and peers” Jack McFadden.

On March 3rd at ETB Day celebrations Jack was celebrated as 1 or 5 chosen ETB Hero’s.  You can view Jack’s full promotional video here…..

Jack embodies Colaiste Pobail Setanta’s 3 Core values of Brod, Misneach and Meitheal and is a wonderful ambassador for our ETB core values.
We are delighted and proud to present our ETB Hero, Jack McFadden.