Community Education Programme

Course details

Community Education courses are provided in VEC centres and at a range of venues throughout the county. These courses are usually organised in response to particular needs often identified by local community groups.Courses may arranged directly by the VEC or voluntary groups or organisations may avail of grant aid from the VEC to support programmes..

Examples of courses available

Courses include non-formal developmental programmes which aim to provide individuals and groups with the skills to actively engage in their community; for example, Personal Development, Introduction to Community Development, Active Citizenship Programmes.

Other programmes include Introduction to Computers, Arts and Crafts, and Childcare. These may be formally accredited courses or non-formal courses, where there is no accreditation.

Training of trainers such as bereavement support workers and parenting trainers is a new development in Community Education. These courses are provided for people who will work as volunteers in their community.

Where are courses held?
Courses are delivered in community centres and schools throughout Co. Mayo.

What supports are available?

Funding in the form of grant aid or tutor hours is provided through the Community Education Budget for general courses. Special initiatives are funded from Special Projects Initiatives for Disadvantaged Schools.
Some courses are co-funded in partnership with other agencies, for example, The County Development Board, the Arts Services or Partnership Companies.

Community-based groups who need assistance in developing programmes can contact the Community Education Facilitator.

Applications for financial assistance should be made on the application form for Community Education, which is available from the Administration Section of the Adult Education Services.

Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) Community Strand

BTEI provides opportunities for second chance education to adult learners and early school leavers who wish to upgrade their skills. Community groups may apply directly to the Department of Education and Science for inclusion in this scheme. The Community Education Facilitator provides support to those groups who wish to apply. Community groups must have the capacity to manage and administer the project.