This article is from page 31 of the 2008-02-12 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 31 JPG
THE work of staff and students at the Adult and Community Education Centre in Ennis has been described as essential to the success of the sec- ico) e
Speaking at the opening of the cen- tre’s new extension, Minister of State Sean Haughey praised the progress made by adult education providers in OE
Mr Haughey was in Clare to open centres in Shannon and Ennis, as part of the National Adult Learners Festival.
Referring to some last minute prep- arations for his visit to Ennis, Mr Haughey quipped “I was told to be late because there was sign to go up. If I have achieved nothing else by my visit to Ennis, then I have achieved Werelaae
The extension and _ re-develop- ment of the Adult and Community Education Centre in Clonroad, Ennis means more services can be provided as part of the Clare back to education initiative.
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.
In Clare, there are currently 2,000 learners availing of adult basic edu- cation and a further 700 engaging in community education.
Mr Haughey said the centre provid- ed valuable learning opportunities. “This is particularly evident here in Ennis, where your Adult Basic Edu- cation Service provides great assist-
ance to adults returning to education, particularly those who did not get the chance to complete their secondary education. Work undertaken on the ground is absolutely essential to the success of the sector, and I am very much aware of this”.
“This expanded adult education centre will provide additional and valuable opportunities for learners in the Ennis area to create a better life themselves and their families”.
He added, “The Ennis Adult Edu- cation centre does a great job in providing that crucial support and I know that with your capabilities extended, many more opportunities will be available to you in this re- een Ke ae
Dr Sean Conlan, Education Of- ficer for Clare VEC, said significant strides had been made in the area of adult education.
‘Adult education used to be called the cinderella of education, because we were never invited to the ball. Now things are different, and in GET ucee tree or Dus CGUIT Dem Ne uome sr KMmolon significant investment in services”
Mr Haughey met with students, programme leaders, tutors and co- ordinators and received a painting from VTOS student Malcom Gay. Youthreach trainee Shirley Price and her daughter Brooke, who attends Cuan Aire Creche, presented Mr Je Ft tea teas
Music was provided by VTOS tutor Andrew Newland and the Founda- tion Ministry Choir.