Advantages of education

Naas, Co. Kildare (01/09/2022)

Exciting news came from Ireland’s Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.?Minister Simon Harris, announced funding has been awarded to six higher education organisations totalling 5 million euros. These funds will be going towards those organisations who have demonstrated their contribution towards achieving national strategic objectives in the area of education.??

One of such recipient is South Eastern Technical University who will be receiving €833, 3333 for the provision of education for the most vulnerable people in the care of Tiglin. Tiglin is the parent organisation behind Jigginstown Manor, Independent living facility for young adults in Naas, Co. Kildare.?

The value of education lies in its ability to open new doors and to create new possibilities. According to the City of Dublin Education & Training Board, it “allows [people] to burst open their life choices and their life chances and, in that way, it leads to real and lasting change” Education empowers people to take their lives in the direction that inspires or intrigues them. For those whose past experience of education carries negative associations, however, there can be visible and invisible barriers to progress. Lack of formal qualifications can be a major barrier to many vocations, and up to 80% of long-term unemployed adults do not hold a Leaving Certificate. In order to be meaningful, social inclusion therefore needs to address the educational needs of vulnerable adults as well as other vital supports.?

From left: Rachel Harper (Tiglin Board member, Simon Hariss, Minister for further education, Aubrey McCarthy (Chairman of Tiglin), Oleg (Tiglin resident)

Aubrey McCarthy, Chair of Tiglin commented on this initiative.?

“This is ground breaking. In my experience I have seen that many people have a fear of education, now that fear of education can be removed.?While engaging in education, they are learning a new discipline while also securing new recovery supports. The latest investment by the HEA and partnering with South Eastern University will inspire a whole new way of thinking on education, and do it on equal terms and do it through Tiglin”.?

Adult education can take many forms, including personal or professional development courses where individuals can gain new skills, abilities, knowledge, values, or second chances at education. This gives those who missed out on qualifications during their school years an opportunity to catch up on those possibilities.

From left: Phil Thompson (CEO Tiglin), Simon Hariss, Minister for further education, Aubrey McCarthy (Chairman of Tiglin

Dr Joseph Collins, Head of Faculty of Lifelong Learning at SETU’s Carlow Campus, commented, “At SETU we have always believed in reaching beyond our walls and connecting with communities in ways that are novel, challenging and impactful. By being proactive and working with Tiglin, we created the opportunity for learners to enter higher education for the first time and in delivering on site at Tiglin, we have opened up a world of possibilities and a brighter future of those participating in Tiglin”.

In addition to addressing the visible barrier of qualifications, education also helps to break down many invisible barriers. Adult education has a huge role to play in stimulating brain health, improving self-confidence and independence, and increasing social engagement. Lastly, there are also tangible economic benefits to education, with links tied to better employment prospects, higher wages and greater workplace productivity.??