2020 Leave no one behind - Cork Education Training Board February 2021 - Cork ETB
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2020
Leave no one behind
Cork Education Training Board
February 2021
Mitigating Aganst Educational Disdvantage Fund 2020 – CETB Report 1
Table of Contents
Cork Education and Training Board- ..................................................................................... 2
Mitigating Against Educational Disadvantage ........................................................................ 2
Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 2
1. Cork ETB Response to COVID 19 .............................................................................. 2
2. Case Studies .............................................................................................................. 4
Case Study 1: Leave No One Behind, Access for All. .................................................... 4
Case Study 2: Age Friendly and City Call....................................................................... 5
Case Study 3: Supporting Migrant Community and People Living in Direct provision - .. 5
Case Study 4: Creative Steps to Wellbeing .................................................................... 6
Case Study 5: Gaeltacht Mhúscraí: Comharchumann Forbartha Mhúscraí .................... 7
3. Feedback from Some of the Grant Recipient Projects in Brief .................................... 8
Conclusion ...................................................................................................................... 10
APPENDIX – Full listing of funded projects ..................................................................... 11
December 25, 2020
Mitigating Aganst Educational Disdvantage Fund 2020 – CETB Report 2
Cork Education and Training Board-
Mitigating Against Educational Disadvantage
Introduction
Cork Education and Training Board is delighted to announce that it has secured over €946,669
in funding from SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority, to assist it in supporting
Community Education groups and participants across Cork City and County. This funding is
provided under the Mitigating Against Educational Disadvantage (MAED) Fund 2020,
providing supports to enable learners engage with education and training programmes and
address some of the impediments impacting on engagement and continued programme
participation arising from the current pandemic situation. In total 62 community education
groups and services are recommended for funding.
Designed by SOLAS and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research
Innovation and Science to support Education and Training Boards in the delivery of
programmes to learners who are at greater risk of being disadvantaged by barriers to
participation in education and training programmes, the fund places a strong focus on
community education as a mechanism to continue to support and engage with learners most
at risk of being disadvantaged, with a focus on enabling the investment in building the digital
infrastructure and the capability of community groups to ensure that online learning can be
delivered in a way that meets the needs of all learners.
The MAEDF funding allows Cork Education and Training Board to provide significant supports
through separate projects or initiatives, representing the highest number of projects and the
one of the highest levels of funding secured for by any region in the country under this round
of the process.
1. Cork ETB Response to COVID 19
Cork ETB has proactively engaged with both local authorities as part of the national and
regional Covid Community Response Initiative. From the outset, a number of priority themes
were identified across the Region, one of which was Bridging the Digital Divide. A working
group was established, including Cork ETB, UCC, MTU/CIT, Cork City Council, DELL/EMC
and it@cork. Needs identified included educational and communications technology, families
without appropriate access to digital devices to access online education and older people
without appropriate access to technology to connect with family and the relevant outside world
online. The continuous engagement by CETB throughout the pandemic with key regional
partners as well as frontline community groups, ensured that Cork ETB was well positioned to
maximise uptake of the MAEDF scheme.
Notwithstanding the challenges of administering the scheme within a very compressed
timeframe, with a requirement of the scheme being that applications had to be approved and
all monies expended by the end of December 2020, following the initial notification of the
December 25, 2020
Mitigating Aganst Educational Disdvantage Fund 2020 – CETB Report 3
scheme in November 2020, Cork ETB sought to take both a geographic and thematic
approach. Each of the AEO’s were assigned to an LCDC area – North Cork/South Cork/West
Cork and Cork City, with additional support provided in Cork City by the Area Coordinators
and City BTEI Coordinator. Cork ETB identified a number of thematic groups to ensure that
the reach and impact of the scheme would be as extensive as possible, to ensure the most
vulnerable were given the opportunity to be provided for. CETB identified the following target
groups and cohorts for engagement:
• Homeless services
• The Migrant Community
• People living in Direct Provision
• Disability Services
• Young people
December 25, 2020
Mitigating Aganst Educational Disdvantage Fund 2020 – CETB Report 4
2. Case Studies
Case Study 1: Leave No One Behind, Access for All.
Case Study 2: Age Friendly and City Call
Case Study 3: Supporting Migrant Community and People Living in Direct provision
Case Study 4: Creative Steps to Wellbeing
Case Study 5: Gaeltacht Mhúscraí
Case Study 1: Leave No One Behind, Access for All.
Mitigating against Educational Disadvantage in Cork City and Region, a webinar hosted by
Cork ETB demonstrated a commitment to achieving the UNESCO Sustainable Development
goals. The 2030 Agenda is a universal and collective
commitment by governments, civil society, the
private sector, youth, UN and other multilateral
agencies to tackle educational challenges and build
systems that are inclusive, equitable and relevant to
all learners.
The Education Webinar aimed to l provide a
robust high-quality platform to engage key partners
across the region, including industry, arts and
culture. This enabled a balancing of critical skills for
life that supports citizenship and prosperity across
communities, developing social capital.
Chaired by former President of CIT, Dr Barry
O’Connor, the webinar included excellent inputs
from National and International speakers. Panel one
focused on the national and regional commitment to
mitigating against educational disadvantage with key
inputs from Andrew Brownlee, CE SOLAS, Adrienne
Rogers, Cork City Council, the President of Cork Chamber of Commerce, Paula Cogan and
Denis Leamy, CE Cork ETB. While Prof John O’Halloran chaired an engaging discussion with
Jonathon Barr OECD, Raul Valdes Cotera, UNESCOand Dr Niamh O’Reilly, AONTAS. The
final panel focused on the learner experience, with contributions from John Fitzgibbons,
Director of Further Education and Training, Leanne McDonagh Traveller Education
Coordinator CIT/MTU, Sibusiwe Mhlophe Santuary Scholar, James Leonard Cork ETB/Two
Norries Podcast, Dr Martin Davoren, Sexual Health Centre and Roisin Ormond CIT/MTU
Masters Student and Disability Rights Advocate.
December 25, 2020
Mitigating Aganst Educational Disdvantage Fund 2020 – CETB Report 5
Case Study 2: Age Friendly and City Call
Cork was designated an Age Friendly City in April of 2019. An Age Friendly city is a place
where more and more older people can stay living in their own homes and communities,
leading healthy and active lives, getting to where they want to go, when they want to go, and
being valued contributors to the lives of their communities.
The MAEDF aimed to provide devices to
older learners to have the opportunity to
take part in any on-line activity, either social
or educational. The Acorn tablet is
designed with older people in mind and will
enable them to access digital services.
A further positive outcome will be a sense
of belonging for those who are able to
engage with these technologies. Access to
devices will encourage and enable Age
Friendly members to link with each other in
a broader sense and intend to establish a
user group to push the adoption of digital
access among their peer group.
Case Study 3: Supporting Migrant Community and People Living in Direct provision -
(NASC €20,055, Clonakilty Friends of Asylum Seekers €42,899, BRIJ €16,500)
NASC, the Irish word for ‘link’, empowers migrants to realise and fulfil their rights. NASC works
with migrants and refugees to advocate and lead for change within Ireland’s immigration and
protection systems,
Prior to investment from MAEDF it had been patchy what could be achieved to support migrant
communities and those living in direct provision. NASC’s application focused on the Gateway
programme, to enable the provision of 20 laptops for learners, who are now able to avail of 4
different levels of English provision. This has
enabled the women to connect through,
conversation cafes, for conversational English
and they are beginning online cooking. Prior to
investment they had been working off phones
and accessing devices through a loan system
with set times and routines.
An emerging issue which wasn’t relevant at time
of application as the schools had re-opened and
were operating under relatively minimal
restrictions, is the Connect project which focuses
on young migrant people who aim to continue
with education. As restrictions have increased,
and schools have moved to online delivery only,
the ability of students to continue with their
December 25, 2020Mitigating Aganst Educational Disdvantage Fund 2020 – CETB Report 6
studies has become challenging, as working from phones is a significant problem. There is a
huge request for access to technology and devices, now that home-schooling is back on
agenda and other issues with respect to broadband/hot spotting from phones, particularly in
direct provision centres.
Currently, people living in Direct Provision centres have experienced increased stress and
feelings of isolation as a result of Covid-19. In Clonakilty Direct Provision Centre, there are
currently 35 bedrooms in use with total occupancy at approximately 97 people. An online
learners’ group was set up to promote and support engagement by the residents. This is
a supported learning environment, where hardware and access to any course of interest has
led to a substantial number of residents undertaking courses. Whilst many were already
qualified in their own respective countries, very often their qualifications have not been
recognised in Ireland, and this opportunity for learning at their own pace has led a thirst for
learning for some and increased employment opportunities for others, as they seek to gain
qualifications that are recognised in the state. The laptops provided through MAEDF grants
will continue to support those already engaged in learning and at the same time encourage
those who have not yet engaged through the recommendation of internet sites to visit and
explore, and providing staff with the mechanism to tease out with them individually where
they would like to see themselves when they leave direct provision.
Brij also aims to ameliorate the impact of living in Direct Provision centres and facilitate better
integration so that people can engage better with education, employment and social
opportunities. Brij, who were aware of the need for laptops, sought MAEDF funding to meet
this essential need. They sought the purchase of 20 laptops to be issued by Brij on loan to
those engaged in education in Glenvera, Travelodge and Ashbourne House Direct Provision
centres. Residents in Ashbourne House and the Travelodge have started growing vegetables
and their enthusiasm has become infectious.
In addition to the technology to engage with online courses and learn at their one pace, the
centres have focussed on horticulture, both as a gateway to learning and a support for
residents’ mental health and wellbeing. Though the MAEDF funding it has been possible to
provide a poly tunnel and equipment at Ashbourne House (polytunnel, raised beds, equipment
and compost) and planters for Glenvera and Travelodge aimed to enhance and contribute to
their educational and personal needs and facilitate greater engagement with future courses
organised by the ETB.
Case Study 4: Creative Steps to Wellbeing
Through an internal application, Cork ETB filmed a series of
workshops to be used as a lasting resource covering a
variety of topics in the areas of health, wellbeing & the
arts. All the sessions are available in a simple, clear and
accessible format to engage learners who have poor levels
of participation and achievement in the formal education
system. Many of these learners have low levels of
engagement for a variety of reasons such as mental health
issues, addiction, disability, literacy difficulties, ill health,
poverty, marginalisation etc.
December 25, 2020Mitigating Aganst Educational Disdvantage Fund 2020 – CETB Report 7
Case Study 5: Gaeltacht Mhúscraí: Comharchumann Forbartha Mhúscraí
The proposal aimed to build digital capacity and
competence in Gaeltacht Mhúscraí, by equipping seven
local community based targeted groups with laptops that
can be used for on-site training purposes and/or loaned out
to individuals for remote use to upskill and gain competence.
Focus was primarily on Active Retired members,
based in Ballyvourney, - Comharchumann Forbartha
Mhúscraí, serving all of Gaeltacht Mhúscraí and also
community centres in villages of Cúil Aodha and Réidh na
nDoirí.
December 25, 2020Mitigating Aganst Educational Disdvantage Fund 2020 – CETB Report 8
3. Feedback from Some of the Grant Recipient Projects in Brief
Cork ETB invited a sample of grant recipients to participate in an online meeting in late
January, to reflect on the impact of the MAEDF scheme, over twenty-five grants recipients,
engaged. A sample of their feedback is highlighted below.
• Cork Simon –
38 ACORN tablets provided through MAEDF to enable people who are not
technologically sophisticated. The scheme provided support for learners across
Cork Simon services.
• COPE/SUISHA Arts –
SUISHA aims to provide access to education and creative participation.
MAEDF enabled the creation of 2 virtual classrooms and also outreach and
technical components.
• The Lantern –
The Lantern conducted a survey of learners and service users’ needs at
beginning of lockdown. MAEDF allowed Zoom licence, some devices. They are
now connecting with over 900 people via phone, extending YouTube reach and
other social media, and talk to us Thursday.
• Down syndrome –
DS Cork reported regression and loss of social contact experienced by both
learners and service users. As a response to COVID 19 they developed a new
programme – CONNECT, which ran for 10 weeks, with 24 places, all of which
were taken up. Full attendance was reported with, 3hr sessions, literacy, arts,
life skills. MAEDF enabled continued development and capacity to deliver
programmes i.e. Field of Dreams, delivered via Zoom, with strong positive
feedback from parents and service users. They are also now looking at
extending reach of CONNECT programme to continue delivery.
• Mayfield Adult Learning –
MAEDF funding has allowed the service to move to online learning, providing
for one to one tuition and allowing for assessment, reducing the amount of time
spent on phone. Funding has provided connection with the community and the
continuation of community education activities.
• Cork City Community Radio –
Funding provided under MAEDF allows citizens to be Creators of own content,
working with target groups to tell their story, develop podcasting skills and
providing quality experiences and further reach. Participants are able to add
content to other outlets. The group is working with Migrants, Travellers, Young
People and Citizen reporters.
December 25, 2020Mitigating Aganst Educational Disdvantage Fund 2020 – CETB Report 9
• Ballyphehane Togher CDP –
MAEDF funding provided for the purchase of ACORN tablets and laptops, with
some matched funding from City Council and BTCDP board. These devices
have allowed participants to engage with “Singing for the Brain”, a virtual
Camino Step challenge. To support health and wellbeing, the tablets will
provide access to exercise videos with uploaded videos from physiotherapy
team. CETB Read/Write/Now service have delivered “Welcome to Zoom”
sessions and lot of hope and anticipation has been experienced with the arrival
of devices.
December 25, 2020Mitigating Aganst Educational Disdvantage Fund 2020 – CETB Report 10
Conclusion
Cork ETB would like to thank the work and support of the National Covid-19 Tertiary Education
Steering Group, in particular the Chair Niamh O’Reilly, who advocated for the establishment
of a funding mechanism to address the needs identified by ETB’s and community groups
working with diadvantaged learners.
We would also like to acknowledge the effort made by DFHERIS and SOLAS in expediting
the fund and supporting ETB’s in the administration of same, this was greatly appreciated.
The challenge of delivering on the scheme was significant for Cork ETB and its community
partners, and we would like to acknowledge the efforts of our own staff and the people in those
community organsiations who worked diligantly and tirelessly to ensure that the maximum
benefit would accrue to those most deserving of supports in the region. The breadth and scope
of the organisations involved, and ultimately the learners who were direct beneficiaries of the
scheme is testimony to the continued need for investment in community education to ensure
those that are often hardest to reach or seldom heard have the opportunity to realise their
potential.
John Fitzgibbons
Director of Further Education and Training
February 2021
December 25, 2020Mitigating Aganst Educational Disdvantage Fund 2020 – CETB Report 11
APPENDIX – Full listing of funded projects
Cork Internal External Grantee Name Project Title
Division /External
West Cork External 4 Valleys Community Connect
North Cork External Ballyhoura Development CLG Ballyhoura Access to Learning Initiative
(BALI)
Cork City External Ballyphehane Togher Community Ballyphehane Togher Digital Reach Out
Development Project
West Cork External Bantry Active Retired Group Connecting Communities
West Cork External Bantry Bayworks Connecting Communities
West Cork External Bere Island Island Learning Centre
Cork City External Blackpool Area Group Community Employment Scheme
Community Employment Scheme
Cork City External Bonnington and Doras Cope Reconnect and Reengage
foundation
Cork City External BRIJ Supporting access to education of people
living in Direct Provision Centres in Cork
South Cork External Carrigaline Family Support Centre Community IT Scheme
CLG
South Cork External Carrigtwohill Family Resource COVID-19 and Beyond – Working with
Centre Disadvantage Communities
West Cork External Carrinagass Castle CLG Kealkill Community Project Centre
Cork City External Churchfield Community Trust Increasing organisation IT capacity
West Cork External Clonakilty Friends of Asylum Clonakilty Friends of Asylum Seekers
Seekers (CFOAS) (CFOAS)
North Cork External Cloyne Diocesan Youth Service Supporting Disadvantaged Literacy
(Blue Cube) Learners in Gould's Hill
North Cork External Cloyne Diocesan Youth Service Family Healthy Living in Gould's Hill
(Blue Cube)
North Cork External Cloyne Diocesan Youth Service Essential Travel for our Learners to Access
(LTI) the Centre
South Cork External Cobh (Great Island) Community Outreach Learning 2021
Centre
December 25, 2020Mitigating Aganst Educational Disdvantage Fund 2020 – CETB Report 12
South Cork External Cobh Family Resource Centre Adult Education/Community Laptop
Scheme
West Cork External Comhar na nOileán Getting Islanders Connected
West Cork External Comharchumann Chléire Ghrian Graf (Sun Sketch)
South Cork External Comharchumann Forbartha Múscraí Connect
Mhúscraí
North Cork External COPE Foundation Fermoy Co-op Programme Cope Foundation
Fermoy
Cork City External Cork Academy of Music Interactive Classrooms
Cork City External Cork City Age Friendly & Friendly Digital Technology for Older People
Call
Cork City External Cork City Community Radio Putting the Human Back into Radio through
Community Participation
Cork City External Cork City Partnership Supporting Online Learning
Cork City External Cork Mental Health Foundation The Next Step
Cork City External Cork Penny Dinners Digital Education Project
Cork City External Cork Simon Educational inclusion via Technology,
Space and Wellness
South Cork External Cumann na Daoine CTR Provision of devices to support learners
and community participants in accessing
study and support
Cork City External DEIS SCOP SCP Fit in to stand out
Cork City External Down Syndrome Cork Latch on Programme
West Cork External Dunmanway FRC The Bridge Project
West Cork External Durrus Project Group The Phillips’ Green Centre Learning Hub
Cork City External Farranree Family Resource Centre Digital Skills
Cork City External Good Shepherds Cork Educational Support for Women
Vulnerable to Homelessness
North Cork External IRD Duhallow Duhallow Remote Learning Response
Initiative
December 25, 2020Mitigating Aganst Educational Disdvantage Fund 2020 – CETB Report 13
Cork City External Lantern Project Making Digital Connections Possible
Cork City External Mayfield Arts Community Education Art Programmes
Cork City External Mayfield Childcare Project (Old Mayfield Childcare Project (Old Youghal
Youghal Road) Road)
Cork City External Mayfield CLG Participant IT Support
Cork City External Mayfield Integrated Community Purchase of Computer Equipment
Development Project CLG
Cork City External Meitheal Mara Learning to Progress
Cork City External Men's Shed Tablet Accessories
Cork City External NASC, The migrant and refugee Connect Youth Project and Gateway
rights centre Inclusion Project
Cork City External Northside Community Enterprises Education & Training HUB (NCE)
Cork City External Northwest Scp Development of IT
South Cork External SECAD Partnership CLG SECAD On-Line Learning
Cork City External SHEP Laptop Loan Scheme to Community
Education Course Participants
Cork City External SIDS Community Radio
West Cork External Skibbereen CFRC Virtual Classroom
North Cork External St Joseph's Foundation I.T. Training and Communication skills
Training
Cork City External St. Vincents CE Project Community Education Online
Cork City External Suisha Arts Creative Connection
South Cork External Killeagh Inch Monday Club Technology Loan Scheme
Cork City External Welcome English Language Welcome English Language Centre
Centre
West Cork External West Cork Arts Centre Arts for an Active Mind
December 25, 2020Mitigating Aganst Educational Disdvantage Fund 2020 – CETB Report 14
West Cork External West Cork Development Connecting Communities
Partnership
Cork City External YWI Cork Sort it
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