GRADUANDS of the Certificate in General Learning and Personal Development (CGLPD) at Mary Immaculate College this week launched an exhibition of their work on ‘The Study of Cubism and Expressionism Combined’.
The exhibition was inspired by two prominent art movements that the students engaged with as part of their creative art appreciation module.
The students worked to incorporate the techniques used in these movements, while retaining their own perspective.
The CGLPD programme, which the college has run since 2013, aims to provide third level opportunities to young adults with intellectual disabilities.
Kate Crotty from Ennis commented: “I loved learning new things and completing the modules. I really liked the social aspect of coming to college and it gave me the opportunity to travel independently. The best thing about the course was that I got to go to college, just like my brothers and sisters.”
Eamonn O’Dea from Bruree, whose son Paul recently completed the programme, stated: “This course gave my son the opportunity to mix with people from all walks of life and mainstream students his own age. It enabled him to develop social skills and grow in confidence and we have seen a huge change in him since he started. He would never have had the chance to attend third level without it.”
The two-year programme, made possible by donations from a number of philanthropic foundations, is devoted to the academic learning, personal growth and career development prospects of the student.
Patrons include the JP McManus Foundation and the Norman Watson Foundation.
In recognition of Mr Watson’s generous donation to the CGLPD course, MIC president Prof Michael A Hayes and students of the programme recently planted a tree on the campus grounds in his honour.
Students who completed the programme are set to graduate this Friday at the MIC 2015 Conferring Ceremonies.
