Gaeilge
Further Education and Training (FET) students in the Buncrana area received course certificates at an Awards Night on 8th April celebrating the exceptional achievements of students who finished NFQ Level 4 and 5 courses in May 2023 and 2024.
The event highlighted the transformative nature of the courses being offered in the FET Centre in Buncrana and more widely throughout the county by the FET Service managed by Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB).
Bringing together students, families, educators, and invited guests to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and excellence of the students, attendees enjoyed a memorable evening, including speeches and the presentation of their awards, followed by light refreshments.
Certificates were presented across a range of courses offered in the centre including Early Learning and Care Stage 1 and 2, eBusiness, Health Service Skills, Manual and Computerised Bookkeeping, Special Needs Assisting, Caring for Children with Additional Needs and Irish Computer Society Driving License (ICDL).
Former students spoke of their own personal learning journeys, having been faced with life and career changes. They outlined how their time in the Centre was one where they were given the opportunity to flourish and develop new skills and confidence while being ably supported by the Centre’s teaching and support staff.
Donegal ETB Adult Education Officer Charles Gorney reflected on the evening, saying, “Our Awards Nights are always inspiring events. It was an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our students and the tireless dedication of our staff. The event also showcases the wider societal impact Further Education and Training has on the communities in Donegal. We are incredibly proud of our students and the impact our Centre and staff have made and look forward to seeing our students both past and present continue to thrive.
“Credit needs to be given to these graduates for the dedication and commitment that they have given in completing the courses and undertaking this step in what will hopefully be a lifelong learning journey”, he added.
Certificates were presented by the Chairperson of Donegal ETB, Cllr Donal Coyle, who delivered an inspiring speech celebrating the resilience and determination of the graduates. Reflecting on their educational journeys, he highlighted the challenges many students faced in returning to education as adults and praised their ability to overcome obstacles, rewrite their stories, and unlock new opportunities for their futures.
Cllr Coyle also commended the dedication of the staff who guided and empowered the students: “The certificates you hold today are more than qualifications – they are symbols of resilience, transformation, and new beginnings”, he remarked.
Graduates were encouraged to carry forward the lessons of teamwork, self-belief, and perseverance as they embark on new paths in their careers and communities.
Further information on courses provided by the FET Centre in Buncrana can be found on Donegal ETB’s website course finder (www.donegaletb.ie/fetcoursefinder) or by calling or emailing the centre on 074 9362466 or fetcentrebuncrana@donegaletb.ie.
