Ministerial approval for adult learners

DOZENS of participants in adult education were presented with certificates at the Lemass Library last Friday morning by Minister of State Jan O’Sullivan, who stressed the importance of continuing with education.
Mayor of Shannon, Mary Brennan, said she was very pleased the work in adult education in the town had been recognised with the opening of the VEC centre at Brú na Sionna.
Moira Greene, co-ordinator of the Clare Adult Basic Education Services, also spoke and said the overall benefits of education often aren’t recognised fully. “If you listen to the news and current affairs discussions, there is a lot of talk of unemployment and the need to upskill and the importance of education to get jobs but sometimes people don’t focus on the wider benefits of learning.”
She referred to British research that stated those who returned to education were less likely to be depressed and more likely to give up cigarettes.
Ms Greene said that it is very important for people aged over 65 to keep mentally and physically active and that education can form part of this.
She said the 10 most in demand jobs in 2010 actually hadn’t existed in 2004, showing the importance of education in a changing world. She also said that when people start education, they need to show commitment, something she said was “all th e more reason to applaud the achievement of the learners today, some of whom have been with us for several years”.
Ms O’Sullivan said she was impressed by the classes she had visited. “I would like to congratulate all involved because there is a fantastic atmosphere of learning and enjoyment of learning.”
She said while people might be pessimistic at the moment, things will turn around. “We are going to get out the other end of this and there will be opportunities in the future and we have to take the opportunities when they come.”
Referring to the statistic that the top 10 jobs in 2010 hadn’t existed in 2004, she said that change happens very rapidly these days.
She also paid tribute to the commitment of those receiving certificates. “I particularly want to congratulate the learners. You have put in a huge amount of effort into achieving these awards and you have made friendships and opened your minds about what to do next.”