A UNIQUE post-primary educational initiative has come of age this month, as it celebrates 21 years of supporting children and teens at a leafy campus in East Clare. ALFA (Alternative Learning for Adolescents) has been operating in Raheen, Tuamgraney, since 2001, providing full-time, progressive education for 12 to 16 year-olds. Based on the Steiner-Waldorf philosophy of education, it is one of the few settings that provides an alternative to the mainstream Junior Cycle. “In the 21 years ALFA has had many different stages: from its pioneering start in a small mountain cabin without water or electricity to our own site with two (soon to be three!) classrooms and an amazing geodesic dome; from a small single group to our current enrolment of 40+ students and the possibility of a five year secondary programme,” a spokesperson said. “It’s been quite the journey.” Currently, there are two Steiner primary schools in Clare – one is Raheen Wood, right beside the ALFA facility, the other is Mol …
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