Adult Education Training Programes

English Language Classes

All the English language classes are now on summer break. The Failte Isteach group finished on Wednesday 16th of June while the voluntary English for Asylum Seekers finished on Wednesday 23rd of June. All classes will resume in September, the date is not fixed yet. A family fun party was organised for all participants on their final night.

The ISU continues to support Refugees to access ECDL and Basic Computer Classes through the Nagle Centre. The voluntary computer class we provide in house for asylum seekers will resume in September. Anyone wishing to register for English or Computer Class will be required to do so before September by ringing the ISU office on 051-852564. The ISU remains grateful to the Sisters of Mercy for funding the voluntary English language classes in 2009.

DIY Skills

The DIY under the Initial Skills Programme was successfully delivered over 7 weeks. This programme was developed to assist those still living in Direct Provision Accommodation in preparation for when they will move into the Community (Independent Living Programme). Also to provide participants with initial skills to enable them maintain their own accommodation through the basic DIY skills such as painting, decorating, grass cutting, recycling responsibility, accessing utilities and accessing local services to ease integration into the local community.

The programme was delivered in 2 areas, Tramore and Waterford City. About 27 in total with the required attendance record received “Certificate of Attendance” at the end of the programme. ISU Outreach worker conducted a feedback session with the Tramore group, comments from the session shows they enjoyed and benefitted from the programme.

Gallery ( Please click on images to view larger.

Train the Trainer:

The FETAC level 6 Train the Trainer Programme began on the 21st of July and will finish late August. Eight participants from the ISU and three from Waterford one World Centre will avail of the training on this occasion. This training is aimed at volunteers and staff who can achieve accredited training which gives them an opportunity to build their own capacity making them more employable in the future. The ISU also benefits from this capacity building as an organisation as we are quite reliant on a strong volunteer workforce to make the costs of programmes viable. Training is provided by New Links Training Solutions.

Carers Course:

Registration for the Carers’ Course is now complete. This will be provided by the Carers’ Association and will be FETAC Level 5 Certified. The course will commence on Friday 23rd July 2010 and will go on for 15 weeks. Funding for this course has been made available through the DSFA. Further developments to engage others interested in the Carers Course have recently taken place. The ISU has liaised with training providers and women in South Kilkenny to provide similar course in Kilkenny.

Equality for Women Measure:

We recently applied for funding under the “Equality for Women Measure Strand”. In preparation for the programme which we expect to run starting from September or October, we hosted a breakfast morning on Wednesday 23rd June to brief women of the courses under this strand. The attendance was good and interest shown through questions and answers shows the need to provide training and support to women and assist them get back to employment. If you need more information on this or you are interested in the programme, please contact Anne or Beverly on the office line 051-852564 for further details.

Students Day Trips

Every year, between the months of April and June, all participants who attend classes in the ISU take part in trips to Ireland’s heritage sites. This year as part of their experiential learning, they first went on a trip to Nicholas Mosse Pottery and Moth to a Flame Candle making company located in Kilkenny in April. They were treated to a tour around the factory to see how the traditionally crafted ceramics of Nicolas Mosse are made. The group later walked to the Candle making factory where they were given demonstrations on how handles are made into different shapes and colours.

The group embarked on another tour to the National Stud Park located in County Kildare in May. They were given a brief history and tour around the Stables, Japanese Garden and St Fiachra’s Garden.