This is a guest post by Youthreach Marketing and Development Facilitator, Marie Rankin. Marie recently travelled to Brussels with Christine Hughes, Youthreach Rush Coordinator and Ava Kessie, past student from Youthreach Rush who was invited to speak at the ‘Good Prospects For All Young People’ event.
It was with great excitement and pride that we began our journey at Dublin Airport heading to Brussels and the EU Commission. Ava, our Youthreach Rush past student was invited to speak at the ‘Good Prospects for All Young People’ event, to mark European Year of Youth and the launch of ALMA (Aim, Learn, Master, Achieve) which first member states have pledged 270 million euro to its implementation.
We jumped in a taxi at Brussels airport and our formula one driver sped us away! Speaking in French with him for half the journey, and chatting among ourselves, he suddenly said in perfect English are you English! No, Irish was our reply to which he began to say how happy the Irish are and always smiling and enjoying life!
Arriving late at night to our lovely First EuroFlat Hotel, we booked in, checked out each other’s rooms and the view of the EU Commission just outside our windows! We couldn’t stop laughing as we were just so excited. We headed off to bed to try sleep and be ready for the big day.
Breakfast continental style and then one-hour prep for Ava as we went through her points for her live interview. We needed to time it as she had around four to five minutes to speak. No bother at all to her! Lucky we heard her thoughts though on her time in Youthreach before we appeared live in studio as it was very emotional in that room.
Time seemed to be running so fast, so it was off to get ready and walk across to the EU Commission carrying our gift for the Commissioner; a special piece of art commissioned from our Youthreach Sallynoggin student Serge. Security checks and badges and again remarks from the main security guard about how much we smiled and laughed, so much so that he led us through a ‘special entrance’ on our own as if we were esteemed guests as everyone queuing looked on. Just the start of an amazing day!
We met everyone involved with EU Youth projects and the other students who were from Italy, Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic. They would be in the main arena in the Schuman Room, but Ava, representing Youthreach and Ireland would be live in studio with Aminata the Belgium student. Cameras were being set up, numerous translators were arriving into their studio boxes and the countdown began. We headed down to studio and Ava was whisked away for makeup and to be mic’d-up.
We met EU Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Mr Nicolas Schmit. We had met him during his visit to our Youthreach Clondalkin centre, but this time we had a chance to really chat, talk in more detail about Youthreach, Ireland and share a few fun stories. It was then show time.
Ava was inspirational, informative and articulate as she spoke live about her life, why she chose Youthreach and most importantly how it changed her life trajectory and that of her children’s. She felt ‘seen’ for the first time in education, she felt her ‘voice was heard’ and she was ‘respected’. She said Youthreach ‘broke the cycle’ as she was ‘falling through the cracks of the system’ and it completely changed her life and the life of her children. It was very emotional for those present hearing it, and Ester who was looking after us for the day, had a tear in her eye when we came out of studio.
![Picture8 Picture8](https://www.ddletb.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Picture8.jpg)
And that was it, live part over, as we headed back up to the beautiful Schuman Room to listen to and watch the rest of the event. Hearing from all those young people, highlighted the fact that every European country as the same issues and that the traditional education system does not fit or work for everyone.
All European programmes need to be supported and financed with all the supports available, so these amazing programmes that help young people get their education and change their lives for the better, can continue to prosper and expand. Hopefully, in the future we will see Youthreach students taking part in ALMA, so when they finish in Youthreach, they can have a supervised stay abroad for a period of 2 to 6 months in another EU Member State and receive comprehensive coaching and counselling at every step and all their financial costs covered.
The day was drawing to a close and Commissioner Schmit came in to see everyone, congratulate all the young people and the whole team. Christine Hughes our Youthreach Rush Coordinator presented him with our gift; the beautiful drawing by Serge our Youthreach Sallynoggin student. He was overwhelmed and sent a special message to Serge saying ‘how gifted and talented he was. The picture had an old man lighting a cigarillo. The Commissioner stated that now he had two presents from Ireland which would hang in his office and ‘normally in my office you cannot smoke, but that is ok’.
It was now time to say goodbye to everyone and leave the Commission. Some final formal & informal photos before our departure. Thank you so much to Virginia, Ester, Luiza, Pirkko and all the lovely people we met.
![Picture9 Picture9](https://www.ddletb.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Picture9.jpg)
A special thanks to Commissioner Schmit for his warm & friendly welcome and his continuing support for young people and Youthreach. Looking forward to hopefully seeing you in September!
Tired legs & bodies, but hearts bursting with pride and feeling so positive for the future of Youthreach and the European commitment for numerous supports to guide and help young people with their education, personal skills, confidence and mental well-being.
Marie Rankin
‘Reach Fund 2022’ (formerly MAEDF) – Deadline Extended To 31 August
/in Corporate News /by Jennifer FarleyDDLETB’s Further Education and Training (FET) Service, in conjunction with SOLAS, has launched an open call for funding aimed at providing support for local Community Education providers/groups. Closing Date is 31 August 2022.
The Reach Fund builds on the success of previous fund and is intended to address educational disadvantage which may be experienced by learners.
Funding Categories
1. Learner assistance fund, inclusive of education outreach/mentoring projects/transport costs for learners/urgent educational response.
2. Innovative green projects.
3. Projects focused on increasing participation in learning with target cohorts.
4. Events/awareness campaigns that contribute to equality policy and legislation.
5. In line with the ALL strategy, specific actions that;
6. Community groups in pre-development phase to support the most marginalised and disadvantaged groups.
7. Support for refugee groups to support education and training delivery and promote/ support cultural and social inclusion, including research and/or needs analysis.
The closing date for submission of applications is Wednesday 31 August 2022 at 5.00 pm.
For any queries, please email reachfund@ddletb.ie
Click here to download the Reach Fund Guidelines.
Loughlinstown Training Centre Open Day – Wed 29th June
/in Corporate News /by Jennifer FarleyPathways to Your Future
Open Day Loughlinstown Training Centre
Thinking of retraining or upskilling? Are you looking for work?
Want to change career? Returning to Education?
You are invited!
• Get the latest on Further Education and Training opportunities
• Meet our Apprenticeship Training Advisors to discuss opportunities in Apprenticeship
• Free CV Clinics—get your CV ready for job hunting
• Career Guidance and Information Service available
29th June 2022 (Wednesday, 10 am—2pm)
Loughlinstown Training Centre, DDLETB, Wyattville Road, Loughlinstown, EIRCODE: A96YC66
www.loughlinstowntrainingcentre.ie ph: 01 2043600
Former Youthreach Student Speaks At The EU Commission
/in Corporate News /by Jennifer FarleyThis is a guest post by Youthreach Marketing and Development Facilitator, Marie Rankin. Marie recently travelled to Brussels with Christine Hughes, Youthreach Rush Coordinator and Ava Kessie, past student from Youthreach Rush who was invited to speak at the ‘Good Prospects For All Young People’ event.
We jumped in a taxi at Brussels airport and our formula one driver sped us away! Speaking in French with him for half the journey, and chatting among ourselves, he suddenly said in perfect English are you English! No, Irish was our reply to which he began to say how happy the Irish are and always smiling and enjoying life!
Arriving late at night to our lovely First EuroFlat Hotel, we booked in, checked out each other’s rooms and the view of the EU Commission just outside our windows! We couldn’t stop laughing as we were just so excited. We headed off to bed to try sleep and be ready for the big day.
Time seemed to be running so fast, so it was off to get ready and walk across to the EU Commission carrying our gift for the Commissioner; a special piece of art commissioned from our Youthreach Sallynoggin student Serge. Security checks and badges and again remarks from the main security guard about how much we smiled and laughed, so much so that he led us through a ‘special entrance’ on our own as if we were esteemed guests as everyone queuing looked on. Just the start of an amazing day!
We met EU Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Mr Nicolas Schmit. We had met him during his visit to our Youthreach Clondalkin centre, but this time we had a chance to really chat, talk in more detail about Youthreach, Ireland and share a few fun stories. It was then show time.
And that was it, live part over, as we headed back up to the beautiful Schuman Room to listen to and watch the rest of the event. Hearing from all those young people, highlighted the fact that every European country as the same issues and that the traditional education system does not fit or work for everyone.
The day was drawing to a close and Commissioner Schmit came in to see everyone, congratulate all the young people and the whole team. Christine Hughes our Youthreach Rush Coordinator presented him with our gift; the beautiful drawing by Serge our Youthreach Sallynoggin student. He was overwhelmed and sent a special message to Serge saying ‘how gifted and talented he was. The picture had an old man lighting a cigarillo. The Commissioner stated that now he had two presents from Ireland which would hang in his office and ‘normally in my office you cannot smoke, but that is ok’.
It was now time to say goodbye to everyone and leave the Commission. Some final formal & informal photos before our departure. Thank you so much to Virginia, Ester, Luiza, Pirkko and all the lovely people we met.
A special thanks to Commissioner Schmit for his warm & friendly welcome and his continuing support for young people and Youthreach. Looking forward to hopefully seeing you in September!
Tired legs & bodies, but hearts bursting with pride and feeling so positive for the future of Youthreach and the European commitment for numerous supports to guide and help young people with their education, personal skills, confidence and mental well-being.
Marie Rankin
Video – Adult Education Services In Ukrainian Language
/in Corporate News /by Jennifer FarleyDDLETB provide a wide range of services in their Adult Education Centres. Click on the link below (or click on the QR code) to view a video explaining these services narrated in the Ukrainian language.
Video in Ukrainian Language Adult Education Services
Ukrainian Video Of Adult Education Services Youtube QR Code
Our Balbriggan Loves Learning Festival 2022
/in Corporate News /by Jennifer FarleyLearning comes in all shapes and sizes, whether you’re a creative, an aspiring entrepreneur or just want to upgrade you digital skills the Our Balbriggan Loves Learning Festival has something for everybody.
The festival starts on April 23rd.
Focusing on the themes of enterprise, community and digital learning, the festival offers a range of engaging events to help you upskill yourself and learn about the services available in Balbriggan to get you there.
For resources and event information visit https://balbriggan.ie/loves-learning-festival/ and register your interest in all upcoming workshops, training and more! – see you all from April 23rd!
Our Balbriggan Loves Learning Festival Whats On 2
Our Balbriggan Loves Learning Festival Whats On
Ireland’s Education and Training Boards lead national education response to those fleeing Ukraine
/in Corporate News /by Jennifer FarleySixteen one-stop shops for all schools, English classes, and ICT devices amongst measures
Education and Training Boards (ETBs) are coordinating the development of sixteen multi-agency Regional Education and Language Teams (REALT), delivering English Language classes, and deploying laptops and tablets to support schools providing places for Ukrainian children.
Each Regional Education and Language Team includes professionals and representatives from Tusla’s Education Support Service, school psychological services, special education needs specialists and school management bodies. ETBs also have
• A dedicated Coordinator to support each Regional Education and Language Team
• A dedicated school support email and phone number
• A dedicated register of ICT devices (laptops, notebooks, tablets, and other mobile devices) to facilitate eLearning.
While schools continue to be the primary contact point for Ukrainian families seeking places for their children, the Regional Education and Language Teams will assist those schools in terms of supporting capacity, sharing information and resources including those for ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages).
ETB Further Education & Training (FET) services will play a key role in the delivery of ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) providing
• A single point of contact for ESOL provision through their Adult Education Officer
• Access to nationwide network of adult guidance services
• A Family Learning ESOL toolkit.
Welcoming these developments, ETBI General Secretary Paddy Lavelle stated: “Because of our nationwide locations and in-house administrative supports, Education and Training Boards are ideally placed to co-ordinate this response in collaboration with our partners across the entire school sector. We are all focussed on making the initial entry into our education system as stress-free as possible for our Ukrainian arrivals. ETBI has also appointed a designated lead to support our ETB members and we are liaising closely with the Department of Education and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.”
“I have also been delighted to hear stories of compassion and warmth about our member ETBs, their staff and learners from welcome and information sessions in Co Dublin to a traditional music and dance school welcome and parent and baby English classes in Co Clare” he concluded.
You can download this statement in the following languages:
ETBI Press Release Irish
ETBI Press Release RUSSIAN
ETBI Press Release UKRAINIAN
Ireland’s Education and Training Boards lead national education response to those fleeing Ukraine
Information Session for Ukrainian Refugees In Tallaght Library Friday 8 April
/in Corporate News /by Jennifer FarleyTallaght Adult Education Service are running an information session on English language courses and education and training options available in the local community.
The session takes pages at Friday 8th April at 10am – 12pm at the County Library Tallaght, The Square, Tallaght D24 A3EX.
See the flyers below for more information.
Kingswood Community College Recognised As An Apple Distinguished School
/in Corporate News /by Jennifer FarleyKingswood Apple Distinguished School Photo
KCC has been recognised as an Apple Distinguished School 2021 – 2024, for their innovative and creative use of iPads in Teaching and Learning.
Since the foundation of Kingswood Community College the staff have always embraced Digital Technology and the iPad. They took their time to master their craft, developing their skills through CPD. They strive to ensure that the iPad is not just a glorified book or tool for learning, it is a gateway to develop the skills that are not only necessary to succeed in school but also in later life.
As the school developed students became the leaders in the implementation of the iPad. They became the Digital Leaders and developed a student-led initiative to offer peer-to-peer support to the younger year groups. Their student team has been and continues to be integral in the successful implementation of the iPad in KCC.
Kingswood Apple Distinguished School Students
In 2018, KCC began the journey with UDL or Universal Design for Learning. UDL’s aim is to provide a fully inclusive environment that aims to make learning accessible to all. The use of the iPad became a perfect fit to allow teachers to enact the principals of UDL. The application for ‘Apple Distinguished School’ was an exemplar of just how seamlessly digital technology allows for the successful implementation of UDL.
Kingswood CC are lucky to have an innovative, driven & hard-working team of staff and students who continue to strive for excellence in our Trad-Digital school.
Robert Dunne is the Apple Distinguished School Coordinator at Kingswood Community College.
Huge congratulations to the entire Kingswood CC community.
You can find out more about their story here.
Kingswood Apple Distinguished School Banner
Flag Raising At Skerries Community College
/in Corporate News /by Jennifer FarleySkerries Flag Raising
Skerries Community College recently had a flag-raising ceremony to celebrate a 100 years of Irish independence. Below, Eamonn O’Reilly, teacher at the school gives some history and describes the Flag Raising Ceremony.
Skerries, has always had a rich history , dating back to the days of Saint Patrick attempt to convert the natives, and what they did to his goat and to Viking invasions.
Skerries Flag Raising
Skerries Flag Raising
Minister O’Gorman invites applications to the Communities Integration Fund 2022
/in Corporate News /by Jennifer Farley• €500,000 will be made available to local community-based projects nationwide to support the integration of migrants.
• Grants of up to €5,000 will be allocated to successful organisations to support integration initiatives.
The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, today approved €500,000 in funding under the Communities Integration Fund 2022.
Now in its sixth year, the Communities Integration Fund celebrates the rich cultural diversity within local communities and enables local community-based organisations across Ireland to play a greater role in supporting the integration of migrants. Successful organisations stand to receive grant funding of €1,000 – €5,000 to support local integration initiatives.
Welcoming the announcement, Minister O’Gorman said:
“I am delighted to announce the launch of the Communities Integration Fund 2022. Irish society has been enriched by increased cultural diversity and we must ensure that migrants are supported to actively participate in Irish society while maintaining their own cultural identity. This funding will bolster the great work being done by local communities to welcome new cultures.”
How to apply:
Applicants can access a detailed guidance document and complete an online application form here.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 12 pm on Wednesday 6th April 2022.
Purpose of projects/activities
This call is open to local community-based groups and centres around 10 key themes to support migrant integration: