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MIC Adult Education Awards 2018 MIC Adult Education Awards 2018

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MIC Adult Education Awards 2018 ensure programmes that will Fulfill Dreams

Pictured at the recent MIC Adult Education Awards 2018 ceremony was Don McCarthy, Meadowlands Close pictured receiving his Foundation Certificate for Higher Education Award from Prof. Eugene Wall, President, MIC. Photograph: Liam Burke Press 22

MIC Adult Education Awards 2018 ensure programmes that will Fulfill Dreams

MIC Adult Education Awards 2018

Pictured at the recent MIC Adult Education Awards 2018 ceremony was Aishling Ryan, Greenhills road, Limerick receiving her Teacher Education Access Programme Award from Prof. Eugene Wall, President, MIC. Photograph: Liam Burke Press 22

“The Teacher Education Access programme is facilitating my dream of becoming a teacher” according to Claire Coyne while Dawn Torpey stated that: “This part-time adult education programme enabled me to reach my full potential”.


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Both ladies were speaking following receipt of their Certificates at the Adult Education Awards ceremony held in MIC on Saturday 26 May when 24 mature learners from varying ages and cultures graduated from the two adult access programmes, the Teacher Education Access Course and the Foundation Certificate Programme.

A leader in the development of access pathways in Ireland, MIC has been hugely successful in attracting mature or “second chance” learners from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds whose educational experiences and opportunities in their earlier years may have been limited.

MIC Adult Education Awards 2018

Pictured at the recent MIC Adult Education Awards 2018 ceremony was Joy Bala Ahmed, Dooradoyle pictured receiving her Foundation Certificate for Higher Education Award from Prof. Eugene Wall, President, MIC. Photograph: Liam Burke Press 22

The Foundation Certificate for Mature Learners Programme, initiated in 2001, is an access initiative coordinated by the Learner Support Unit in MIC, designed to cater for mature students who wish to continue their education, with a view to progressing to third level. The course is delivered on a part-time basis to facilitate those in employment; those with families and/or care responsibilities and those eager to sample university-level education. Since its inception in 2001, over 1,300 students have completed the programme with over 500 Foundation Certificate students progressing to the BA, BA ECCE, the BEd and the BEd in Education & Psychology Degrees through this route. Students from the Foundation Certificate Programme have not only gone on to excel at an undergraduate level, with many students currently pursuing Masters Degrees and PhDs.This year saw 14 graduates completing the programme, proving themselves to be

MIC Adult Education Awards 2018

Pictured at the recent MIC Adult Education Awards 2018 ceremony was Jack McGann, Fr Russell road pictured receiving his Foundation Certificate for Higher Education Award from Prof. Eugene Wall, President, MIC. Photograph: Liam Burke Press 22

This year saw 14 graduates completing the programme, proving themselves to be highly motivated, diligent and dedicated in their approach to their studies. Those who obtained a merit are offered a place on the Liberal Arts degree programme in MIC or UL, following a formal agreement with UL last year whereby each of the Institutions’ adult education access courses are recognised for admissions purposes thereby offering a greater range of university-level study opportunities for students who complete the course.

Speaking on the success of the programme to date Dr. Geraldine Brosnan, Director of Student Life at MIC said; “The Foundation Certificate aims to provide a basis for progression to degree level studies and since its inception fourteen years ago it has been hugely successful with very positive feedback from participants”.

Dawn Torpey Reddan from Limerick City was one of the students who received her certificate on the day said: “Having left school 40 years ago without the Leaving Certificate the prospect of returning to education was a daunting one. I am happy to say that this was not my experience when I embarked on the foundation certificate programme. Rather it was the best decision I made in years. The staff at MIC were so helpful and understanding, the lecturers were amazing and all gave lectures that were full of interesting content. My fellow classmates were always willing to help and only ever a phone call away. I cannot praise and thank MIC enough for allowing me to participate in this programme enabling me to experience my full potential”.

The Teacher Education Access Course for Mature Learners is a part-time programme for adult learners and is unique in the Irish higher education system. The course, offered by MIC in partnership with the City of Limerick Vocational Educational Committee, Adult Education Service, is designed for mature learners who wish to gain entry to the B Ed. (Primary Education) at the College. The course is aimed at anyone over the age of 22 by January 1st on the year of application, who is interested in applying to the B Ed (Primary Education) and who does not hold the minimum entry requirements. Those who successfully complete the course and fulfill the minimum entry requirements for the B Ed are offered a place on the BED (Primary) Degree programme in MIC. This year sees the first graduates from the course graduating from the B Ed programme in October at the annual MIC conferring ceremonies.

Congratulating this year’s graduates Margaret O’Keeffe, Course Coordinator said: “Our Students have worked tremendously hard throughout the year. In addition to studying Gaeilge and English, this comprehensive course has enabled learners to engage with the theory and practice of teaching and learning. We look forward to welcoming them onto the B Ed (Primary Teaching) programme in September”.

Speaking on her experience of the course, one of the participants Claire Cloyne commented: “I have always wanted to study for primary teaching but I did not have the Irish or English requirements. For me, this access course was what I needed, as before completing the course I was afraid of the Irish language and feared returning to education. The support I have received from all the excellent lecturers has instilled me with the confidence I needed. The Teacher Education Access course is facilitating my dream of becoming a teacher. I am a mother of two small children and hold down a part-time job… if I can do this anyone
can.”

Congratulating all the graduates of the Foundation Certificate Programme and the Teacher Education Access Course Professor Eugene Wall, President of MIC said; “Education involves a major transition in a mature student’s life, it is a journey of personal growth and self-transformation. I know that many of you faced great personal challenges while participating in this course. By getting to this point you have demonstrated immense commitment. I wish to commend each and every one of you for your hard work, perseverance, and dedication. Your wonderful achievement is encapsulated in the certificate I will present to you this afternoon. I wish to also pay tribute to those who have supported you on this journey, your family and friends. I thank them on your behalf”.

He continued to speak of the genuine commitment in MIC to offer access to education to all especially those who may have lost out educationally in the past as they represent a reservoir of talent and ability. He finished by paying special tribute to the staff of Mary Immaculate College for their involvement in the planning and delivery of these courses and for the impressive network of support services they provide the students with.

Applications are currently being invited for the Teacher Education Access Course with an application deadline of 1 June 2018. Application forms for the Foundation Certificate Programme 2018/19 will be available from the Admissions Office in September with an application deadline end of September.

 

For more stories on Mary I, go here.

For more information on MIC Adult Education Awards 2018, go here.

Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.