Community Education

What is Community Education Support?

The Community Education Support Programme supports the delivery of adult education courses in the community through the provision of funding for tuition costs and support in the setting up or courses. The programme hopes to encourage adults with few/no qualifications to take part in educational activities, in order to build their confidence as individuals and to help in the development of their community.

The aims of the programme

  • To support community education providers to organise and deliver low-cost, locally-based educational opportunities for groups of people who do not usually avail of such opportunities. Courses are generally non-accredited but may offer certification
  • To promote and support the development of new community education groups and activities in Donegal
  • To support the community education sector through the provision of training and information-sharing opportunities
  • To gather qualitative and quantitative data on community education activity in Donegal

 

Target Groups
  • Community-based women’s & men’s groups
  • Community arts groups
  • Travellers
  • Older people
  • People with disabilities
  • Lone parents group
  • Ethnic minority groups
  • Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender groups
Items which may be eligible for funding
  • Contribution towards tutor fees
  • Materials required for a particular class or activity
  • Contribution towards administration costs 
  • Rent of venue
  • Publicity
  • Pre-development / capacity building work with groups
How to apply for Funding and Guidelines

If your community group would like to apply for funding, please email communityeducation@donegaletb.ie to request an application form. Completed application forms must be received no less than five weeks before the scheduled start date of the course.

Contact Details 

Orla Winters
Community Education Facilitator                         
(An Ghaeltacht, West and South Donegal)
Tel: 074 972 5520
Email: orlawinters@donegaletb.ie

Catherine Friel
Community Education Facilitator
(Inishowen, South and East Donegal)
Tel: 087 1853050
Email: catherinefriel@donegaletb.ie

Dawn Sweeney
Administrator, Ard Scoil na gCeithre Máistir,
Tír Chonaill St., Donegal Town
Tel: 074 9725520 
Email: communityeducation@donegaletb.ie

Student Stories

Read Main Head Community Association’s Community Education supported Story here. 

Read Paul, Annie and Claire’s Community Education supported stories here.

By its nature, Community Education provision is driven by the needs of the community and organised locally.

Community Education Supports

The following supports are available while on our Community Education Programme

COMMUNITY EDUCATION SUPPORTS

The delivery of adult education courses in the community through provision of funding for tuition costs and support in the setting up of courses.

BOTTOM UP APPROACH

Ensures that adult education in a community setting always addresses the needs of the local community.

FUNDING

Contributions available towards tutor fees. 

LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUP

The Community Education Programme is supported by your local community group.

CAREER GUIDANCE

The Career Guidance Service offers impartial and confidential information, advice and counselling on study options.

COURSES AVAILABLE

Courses change form year to year but examples of courses run last year include Art, Photography, Creel Making, Intercultural Awareness, Furniture Upholstery, Sewing.

QUALIFICATIONS

The Community Education Programme funds a wide range of courses from short courses and evening classes to Minor QQI Awards.

RESOURCES

Contributions may also be available for course resources.