Strategic Framework Policy launched
“THE region was hugely successful in manufacturing in the 70’s, 80’s and early 90’s and people couldn’t wait to get away from school and into work”, said Denis Brosnan, chairman of the Mid West Regional Task Force, when launching the Strategic Framework policy for Limerick Adult Education Service.
“Unfortunately”, he added, “the area is no longer strong in manufacturing”.
Mr. Brosnan highlighted the importance of the service in allowing the people of the region to “retool” themselves for the future. He added that education was vital for those who had lost their jobs.
He had appealed to the government to put resources into getting people to return to or stay in education.
“I want the people to know that the task force has not gone away and we are currently thinking what needs to be done to make the region better for the future”.
Adult Education Officer Mary Hamilton, said: “Today is about putting the Limerick Adult Education service on the map. What we realise is that a lot of people don’t understand what we do, despite currently working with 4,500 learners across the city, in 78 different locations.
“We do valuable work with those who may not have had such great experiences in school or had a good education the first time around. We give them the opportunities to jump on the career ladder, or hold on to their current jobs.
“Currently there are over 15,000 unemployed in Limerick, while there were 5,000 last year. Just 35,000 people in Limerick are employed. Because of this, we have a huge role to play in the socio-economic development of Limerick.
“We are prepared to make the changes that need to be made and we are aware that education is always changing”.
Ms. Hamilton explained that the day also marked the launch of a new website for the centre, which offers easily accessible information.
Upskill Community Co-ordinator Claire Doherty, explained to the Post the high level of demand for the courses on offer: “This year we had 60 applicants for our ‘Care of older people’ course, though there were only 12 places available”.
Education Solutions Co-ordinator Colin Cummins, who works on adult literacy and basic education, told us that this year had seen a huge increase in interest and people were focusing on “getting back to work and making themselves employable.
“Many of our students would have left school at a young age, and our programmes are about reintroducing people to learning”.
Sean Tracey, Chairperson of Limerick City Adult Education Board with Mary Hamilton, Adult Education Officer and Declan Blackett, Education Project Manager with Limerick Regeneration Agency. Pic: Don Moloney / Press 22
