Photo: Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

Fair City actor Tom Hopkins (aka Christy Phelan) and Brian Crowley MEP were on hand to celebrate the achievements of adult learners in Youghal at a special award ceremony held at Cumann na Daoine’s new premises in Catherine Street (formerly The League of the Cross). Over 60 certificates were awarded in subjects ranging from computers, personal development and family communications. The Celebration of Adult Learners was organised by Youghal’s Equality for All initiative which aims to promote equality through improving people’s access to education, training and employment opportunities. A special round of applause went to the 28 local women who will graduate from UCC later this year with UCC diplomas in Social Studies (the course was held in Youghal and was part funded through Equality for All).

Tom Hopkins shared his own inspiring story of returning to education after five years on the dole – despite his initial fears and insecurities he went on to graduate with honours from theatre studies in Trinity College and secure a place in RTE’s drama Fair City. His story was echoed by other adult learners, who said that the hardest part was making the decision to sign up for a course. “Everyone is nervous on the first day of a course” said Equality for All Co-ordinator Sharon Lupton “It is great to witness the change in people’s levels of confidence as they progress”

The Equality for All programme is based in Cumann na Daoine and is funded by RAPID, Cork County Council, SECAD and the Dept of Social and Family Affairs. The programme’s success is largely due to the strong partnership it has forged with the funders and others such as VEC, FAS, UCC, Cork Social and Health Education Project. Anyone interested in finding out more about opportunities for returning to learning in Youghal should contact Sharon Lupton on 087 506644. Sharon is available in Cumann na Daoine’s new offices in Catherine Street, Youghal every Tuesday afternoon.
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