Education & Training
More needed on prison release to make investment worthwhile
Prejudiced views often heard in public would argue that prisoners should not be entitled to an education in prison. They should be doing forced labour, some would say. I disagree. I visited Limerick Prison recently and saw the difference it is making.
Education & Training
The reality inside Limerick Prison Library
Anita Dooley is employed by Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board as the head teacher in Limerick Prison and I am grateful to her for recently inviting Changing Ireland to visit Limerick prison. Here's how it went.
Education & Training
Record-setting Limerick jockeys and equine students receive awards
Two professional jockeys and two teenage showjumpers who have set records in the equestrian world – all from Limerick - have received special awards from Moyross Youth Academy (MYA).
Education & Training
Difficulties opening bank accounts is holding people back from Tús opportunities
Tús is the Irish word for start or begin. However, bureaucracy around opening bank accounts is having a severe impact on some people who want to get back into the labour force, according to James Hill of the Northside Partnership in Dublin.
Education & Training
Voices from the saddle back Moyross Youth Academy all the way
I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing three smashing natives of Moyross and Southill recently who love to be in the saddle and are already working in the horse industry. Wesley Joyce is a champion jockey, Terry Casey while new to racing has already notched up one win, and Aoife O'Driscoll while much younger is already doing some paid work in a local equestrian club.
Education & Training
Here’s why Just 1 Life in Wexford won a national award
Thousands of young people have gone through the Just 1 Life Road Safety Programme since 2006, and it was named the Best Community Transport initiative at the recent Local Authority Members Association awards.
It's an initiative to promote road safety among 16 year olds, run by Wexford County Council and Wexford Rotary Club, and it has since spread to 16 other counties across Ireland.
Michael Brand of Wexford Rotary Club said the inspiration came from Down Under.
Education & Training
Horses were seen as for people with money: Fettercairn Youth Horse Project celebrates 30 years
There is a racehorse in New Zealand called Fettercairn, which also happens to be the name of an estate in West Tallaght in Dublin. It seems like an odd coincidence, until you realise that the mare’s trainer is Samantha Wynne, a native of Fettercairn whose equestrian skills were fostered as a teenage member of Fettercairn Youth Horse Project (FYHP).
“It’s kind of a little family within the community. The staff here are all local, everybody knows everybody, so it’s really community-based,” said manager Colette Needham.
Thirty years ago, the project got off the ground after strong campaigning and fundraising by local residents, community workers and elected representatives.
Education & Training
Agencies would be at a loss without Traveller culture training workshops
Traveller culture awareness workshops in Co. Wexford are improving the ability of employees in state agencies to deliver services for the Traveller population. The workshops have also been held in primary schools, increasing awareness among the general school population and instilling pride among Traveller children in particular. Such workshops also take place in other counties; we focused on one county to see the difference they make.
Education & Training
“Everybody deserves a second chance” – Ann’s life after prison
Ann is a former prisoner who has been working at The Mug Shot café, a social enterprise run by PACE, since May 2021. She spoke to Changing Ireland about life after prison.
Education & Training
Adult learners call for equal access to educational experiences
Learners say unequal access to public transport, on-site facilities, and inclusivity and mental health supports are causing regional disparities in their experiences.
