KEY AREA OF WORK No 2: Education & Training

LONG TERM EXPECTED IMPACTS OF THIS AREA OF WORK FOR THE COMMUNITY:

To Promote for the Local Community a Continued Programme of Education and Training on Inishbofin

Over the last number of years many classes and courses have been provided on Inishbofin. Each year (winter period) a programme of training/educational/craft courses that are relevant and of interest to the local population are run. The co-operation of County Galway Vocational Educational Committee (VEC) and Leader are crucial in the provision of long-term training and educational facilities on the island.

We feel that with the introduction of teleconferencing and improved telecommunications in general (broadband), it would be possible to provide a live link up with a classroom or teacher anywhere in the country.

The possibility of providing third level education through distance learning and telecommunications is also being explored and some courses are available by distance learning but the future possibilities of incorporating broadband will be explored on a wider scale.

The Development Company through the CDP programme also provides courses under FETAC as Inishbofin Community Centre is registered as a stand-alone education centre under the Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) funded by the Department of Education.

Shorter courses are run on a regular basis (i.e. over weekends) on a wide range of themes: computers, set dancing, basket making, tapestry/weaving, health and safety, first aid etc and the work of the CDP in providing education and training will go on into the future, empowering the Islanders themselves through education and training to face the future with confidence.

ACTIONS

EXPECTED OUTCOMES FOR YEAR 1

EXPECTED OUTCOMES FOR YEAR 2

EXPECTED OUTCOMES FOR YEAR 3

Development and delivery of integrated education and training programme for the Island population irrespective of age who want to participate in education.

To further the Educational and Training needs of the Island population and to endeavour in the promotion of lifelong learning.

To bring Education and Training to the population of Inishbofin who are truly geographically isolated from all State and other programmes that are easily accessible to our mainland counterparts and to continue in the promotion of education on the Island. We, every year, request the island population to submit what they would like to learn along with other courses the Development Company through the CDP deliver on behalf of the Islanders. Down for spring 07 so far are, Teleporter Licence, 360% Digger Licence, Safe Pass Course, B and B Failtie Ireland Training, Dumper Driving Course, Crane and Slingers Course. A review will take place again in August with a view to the courses for the winter 07-08. Other courses through the BTEI may continue over a 3 to 4 year period.

To bring Education and Training to the population of Inishbofin who are truly geographically isolated from all State and other programmes that are easily accessible to our mainland counterparts and to continue in the promotion of education on the Island. We, every year, request the island population to submit what they would like to learn along with other courses the Development Company through the CDP deliver on behalf of the Islanders. Other courses through the BTEI may continue over a 3 to 4 year period.

To bring Education and Training to the population of Inishbofin who are truly geographically isolated from all State and other programmes that are easily accessible to our mainland counterparts and to continue in the promotion of education on the Island. We, every year, request the island population to submit what they would like to learn along with other courses the Development Company through the CDP deliver on behalf of the Islanders. Other courses through the BTEI may continue over a 3 to 4 year period.