Brand new initiative, Is Féidir Linn, hopes to encourage children into further education in Ballyfermot
By Maurice Garvey
YOUNG children, from 1st to 5th Class, took part in an educational initiative at Ballyfermot College of Further Education (BCFE) this week.
The initiative, Is Féidir Linn, aims to encourage participation in further education by showcasing an innovative, supportive and fun learning environment.
The college opened its doors to 150 children from three primary schools in Ballyfermot (Mary Queen of Angels, St Raphael’s and St Gabriel’s), in a bid to promote third-level further education as a realistic option for local kids.
Jan Redmond, Media Studies teacher BCFE, said: “This joint initiative started three years ago with just 50 seven-year-old children and a couple of committed teachers from St Gabriel’s and BCFE. This year 150 school-children (from 1st class to 5th class) and 150 BCFE social care students came together for three days of inspirational and fun workshops.
“Our long-term goal is to increase the level of participation from the local community at further education.”
Love/Hate actress Mary Murray was at the college on Thursday to launch Is Féidir Linn.
Jan cites studies which show progression to third-level education is traditionally very low amongst residents from working-class areas.
According to the HEA Equal Access Survey in 2014, 16 per cent of young adults from Dublin 10 progressed to university and institutes of technology compared to 99 per cent from Dublin 6.
