RTE Newsreader & Special Olympian feature in national “ETB Heroes” campaign

Former Dublin Education & Training Board students, RTE’s Kennedy, and gold medal-winning Special Olympian Jack McFadden feature in a national campaign to highlight Ireland’s 16 Education & Training Boards which launched this week.

Ray and Jack when they at the recent ETB Excellence Awards in Croke Park and features Ray (left) and Jack (centre) pictured with Jack’s Mum Maria, Dad Paul and sister Alisha. Picture by photographer Marc O’Sullivan

In the “ETB Heroes” video released by Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), we meet RTE newsreader Ray and third level student Jack as they revisit Colaiste Dhulaigh, Coolock (City of Dublin ETB) and Colaiste Pobal Setanta, Clonee (Dublin & Dunlaoghaire ETB) to talk with current students and staff.

“My ETB made me into a journalist” Ray says, “The job has brought me all around the world, but it all began here” he said, adding that by providing him with the accessible foundation his local ETB “changed my life”. Ray met with current media student and aspiring producer Laura Byrne in Colaiste Dhulaigh and offered her encouragement and advice on her media career journey.

Ray Kennedy & Learner Laura Byrne

Jack McFadden said “attending an ETB school – it’s able to open so many doors for me with my dyslexia and other difficulties.” Jack, who took home two gold and one bronze medal in swimming from the 2019 Special Olympics is currently a student in Trinity College Dublin. “Barriers aren’t a problem for Jack,” his former teacher Frances Shannon states, “he will always pursue his dreams.”

Jack McFadden and Teacher Frances Shannon DDLETB

The video also features current and past ETB students including Singer Songwriter Tolü Makay (Laois & Offaly ETB), TG4 presenter and producer Máire Treasa Ní Dhubhghaill (Galway & Roscommon ETB) and Teacher Michael Farrell (Kilkenny & Carlow ETB) and seeks to highlight the lifelong learning provided by Education & Training Boards though their nationwide network of schools and colleges.

ETBI Videos – Excellence Awards 2023

ETB Ireland Excellence Awards –  Heroes Jack McFadden Colaiste Pobal Setanta DDLETB

ETB Ireland Excellence Awards – Heroes Ray Kennedy and learner Laura

ETB Ireland Excellence Awards – Heroes Full Video

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