The graduation ceremony for the Back to Education Initiative students from the East Cork Further Education and Youthreach Centre for the FETAC May 2008 assessments took place at the Walter Raleigh Hotel, Youghal.

The event was presided over by Cllr. Oliver Casey, Mayor of Youghal and County Cork VEC Committee member with Nuala Glanton, Adult Education Officer for County Cork VEC, Maureen O’Shea, FETAC representative and Patrick Callinan, Back to Education Initiative, County Cork VEC also in attendance.

The awards being presented were for Art, Craft and Design, Childcare and Business Studies Secretarial at FETAC Level 5. The ceremony recognised and celebrated the success of 34 people achieving their full FETAC Level 5 awards and 22 people achieving component certificates across the 3 disciplines. A large crowd of family and friends were there to witness the culmination of years of hard work by the students and the dedicated panel of tutors.

Attending a live ceremony has a special significance for many of the graduates. Some are changing careers; some never completed secondary school. The students come from diverse backgrounds and situations and as such they have made a significant commitment to improve their lives through education – often juggling work, family and finances to realise their dreams. Everyone was dedicated to one goal – to see students graduate and be successful in their lives. This was obviously a special moment in the students’ lives and to experience the thrill of walking up with a cap and gown to receive their awards was inspiring.
So heartfelt congratulations to all those involved and may it be a night that will be recalled with a smile for many years to come.
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