This article is from page 27 of the 2008-04-29 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 27 JPG
GRADUATES of Clare VEC’s Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) were awarded at a recent ceremony in En- nis. The BTEI presented FETAC certificates to students of its Commu- nity Care and Childcare programmes from throughout the county.
The ceremony was held at the Adult Education Centre in Ennis. The certificates were presented by Ms. Karen McCarthy from the County Clare Childcare Committee.
At the ceremony Ms McCarthy, congratulated all the students and emphasized the importance of well- trained professional graduates to work in the Childcare and Commu- nity Care sectors.
Tutors Breda Walshe, Marian McGonagle and Maire O’Riordan also attended the ceremony.
Over 70 students studying in En- nis, Newmarket-On-Fergus, Sixmi- lebridge, Shannon, Scariff and Kil-
laloe, received FETAC certification in Childcare and Community Care subjects through the BTEI in the last year.
The Back To Education Initiative offers flexible part-time learning Opportunities to young people and adults and operates throughout the county and is part of Clare VEC’s Adult and Community Education Service.
The BTEI also introduces prospec- tive students to the requirements of studying for the leaving certificate.
It is ideal preparation for the leav- ing cert, in that it allows students to gain FETAC certification in math’s, communications and personal devel- opment.
In Clare, there are currently 2,000 learners availing of adult basic edu- cation and a further 700 engaging in community education.
The recent re-development of the Adult Education Centre in Ennis has led to the provision of more services
through the BTEI.
The centre provides learning op- portunities in reading and writing, language support, youthreach pro- gression, the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) and family learning. Services include a creche, night classes, e-learning and adult learners guidance.
Meanwhile, Clare VEC received a Public Service Excellence Award from the Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern at a ceremony in Dublin Castle.
The VEC’s ‘Adult Education Serv- ice: Clare Lifelong Learning Net- work’ was one of 20 award winners selected from 183 entries by an eight- strong selection committee chaired by Professor Mary Daly, UCD.
Minister of State Tony Killeen said that the award success was indicative of the excellent educational services being provided by Clare VEC to young people and adults in County SEK
“IT am delighted that the Clare Life-
long Learning Network has been se- lected as one of the best examples of excellence and innovation across the public service’, stated Minister Kil- oe
“The Public Service Excellence Awards are presented every two years and recognize commitment, creativ- ity and innovation behind important projects that add value to public services used by citizens. I feel that the VEC’s Clare Lifelong Learning Network is thoroughly deserving of this award due its promotion of lifelong learning in the county. This award acknowledges the supporting role played by the Network in getting learners and learning providers to work together”, concluded the Min- ister.