Awards night for adult learners

CLARE Adult & Community Education Service courses continue to grow in popularity, according to Aobhán Haverty, head of the service, at a recent certification awards night for learners in Ennis.

The night celebrated achievements of participants in Clare Adult Basic Education Service (CABES), an arm of the general adult education service. The adult education service catered for an overall 4,200 learners last year.
Those receiving certificates on the night included some returning to education for the first time and others continuing in lifelong learning. Ms Haverty congratulated all concerned on attaining so many certificates.
The students were also congratulated by Moira Greene, one of three adult literacy officers of County Clare Vocational Education Committee that runs the countywide adult and community service.
She said she hoped this would not be the end of their learning journey but just one more building block in an extended series, with many other courses available throughout the county adult learning service. These included learning modules delivered by such as the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme, the Back to Education Initiative, Youthreach and more.
Karl Quinn, another adult literacy organiser, presented certificates for music, cookery, preparation for work, textiles, puppetry, horticulture, art and design, stained glass, English language and computers.
These were followed by presentations by Mary Flanagan of Clare Family Learning Project to those who passed in mosaics, personal effectiveness, food and food and nutrition, while Margot Walsh, another tutor, did likewise for communications, healthcare and information technology skills.
CABES provides classes in centres around the county for adults who want to improve their skills in reading, writing, spelling, basic maths and for those who find it difficult to engage with new computer-based technologies that have become part of everyday life and work. There is also a whole range of other subjects that may be new to some learners. Those taking part can work on a one-to-one basis with a tutor or in a small group situation.
Day and evening classes are available in locations right around the county, so learners can choose the most suitable location. The service is free and confidential. Contact Loretta Hughes for details of CABES at 6897616, 6841183 or check the website.