Irish Vocational Education Association

VECs facilitate communities or groups that feel the need for education and/or training by providing them with the courses/programmes they desire in schools, community centres and even in private houses. If a group of 10 to 15 people approach the VEC seeking education or training, it is provided to them at either a nil or low cost.

The purpose of the Community Education scheme is to assist community and voluntary groups to deliver a range of educational activities for disadvantaged adults within their community. For example:

Programmes that strengthen and increase the skills and knowledge of groups active in community and voluntary organisations leading to greater community involvement and participation.
Programmes which support education and learning for community based women and men's groups, Travellers and other ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and older people.
Courses which develop parenting skills and improve family life.
Programmes which help address social problems such as isolation.
Initiatives which help those living in poverty to have more equal access to education.

The appointment of Community Education Facilitators (CEFs) to VECs, has given them the capacity to facilitate the participation of those who have traditionally been ignored by mainstream provision.. Particular supports provided include:

Assistance with establishing Education Programmes: The Community Education Facilitator provides assistance and support to new or existing community education groups.
Course Development: Assistance is also available for community education groups to develop their own educational programmes and courses.
Funding: There is a small fund for groups to run community education projects.
Back To Education Initiative

Community and voluntary groups can apply who are involved in provision of educational activities for the specified adult target group. The grants provided are to enable disadvantaged adults to avail of community education at minimal or no cost. Therefore priority will be given to groups in disadvantaged areas, projects aimed at specially disadvantaged groups, educational activities that lead to progression of the individual and the group and also education that has national accreditation.

If you are interested in developing education and training programmes suited to the learning needs of your group please contact your local VEC.

		McCann House, 99 Marlborough Road, Donnybrook, Dublin 4. Phone: + 353 1 4966033 / 4966248 Fax: + 353 1 4966460
© IVEA 2010