06/09/2013

Archived item. This item is published here for historical reasons. The information below may be out of date.

Volunteering Scheme earns college places for community

Tallaght Community Council are the first sponsors in an innovative community outreach and education programme whereby they are donating Educate Credits to the community. Educate Credits are a reward for being proactive in the community and allow participants to gain free access to courses on the part-time programme in Institute of Technology Tallaght.

Earlier this year Tallaght Community Council organised a summer event called Tallafest. The event attracted over 5,000 people from the community to enjoy different events such as exhibitions, local bands playing, a nature walk & lecture, a history lecture, a fun dog show, a writers workshop, a fun cycle and so much more. Over 100 volunteers gave freely of their time and earned over 2,000 Educate Credits.

This equals 2 places on the part-time programme in Institute of Technology Tallaght enabling 2 people to study for 3 years up to degree level.

To celebrate the launch of this scheme Tallaght Community Council in conjunction with Institute of Technology Tallaght (ITT Dublin) and South Dublin County Council are offering 2 people from South Dublin County the chance to avail of the 2,000 Educate Credits giving them access to part-time study for up to 3 years. ITT Dublin offers a wide range of courses in accountancy, computing, science, humanities, engineering, management and marketing.

In order to be considered for this wonderful opportunity, each participant must write a 1000 word piece on “ How going to college will change my life “ and submit this along with your CV by 4.30pm Friday 13^th September to

info@sdublincoco.ie marked Educate Credits

or post to

South Dublin County Council

County Hall

Tallaght

Dublin 24 marked Educate Credits

The Mayor Dermot Looney said “This is a wonderful example of positive collaboration between community groups such as Tallaght Community Council, South Dublin County Council and IT Tallaght. This is an opportunity to go to college and get that qualification, perhaps it’s a second chance. I am very pleased to promote and support this project and wish it and the lucky student’s every success.”

President of ITT Dublin, Pat McLoughlin said “This initiative seeks to recognise and reward those socially driven people who enhance lives or environments in the communities we serve. We hope to create a new pathway to education for people who may otherwise not get the chance”. Mr McLaughlin, went on to add “We are delighted to partner South Dublin County Council and Tallaght Community Council on this scheme working together on initiatives such as this we can continue to make a real difference to the lives of the people in the region.”

Tallaght Community Council’s newly elected chairman, Tara De Buitléar said “We are delighted to have had our positive volunteering work recognised in this formal way and to be associated with providing two deserving people with an opportunity to study in the IT Tallaght. It is a lasting legacy of the months of volunteering led by Tallaght Community Council to organise Tallafest. Hopefully it will inspire other groups to undertake proactive volunteering across Tallaght”

Entry criteria

Entrants under 23 years of age on January 1^st must have a leaving certificate or a FETAC Level 5 qualification or equivalent. Applicants over 23 years of age must submit a Curriculum Vitae detailing your life and work experience and your application will be considered. You may be asked to attend for interview.

Community Groups, Youth Groups, resident associations and schools can apply for Educate Credits through the Social Credits System.

For further information on this project – check www.socialcredits.ie

-ENDS-

Images

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  Tallaght Community Council Educate credits
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  Terry Maguire ITT Susan O Hara Mary Butler Tara de Buitleir TCC