East Cork Further Education and Youthreach Centre graduation ceremony at the Walter Raleigh Hotel-Youghal

Last Friday (Nov.6th) saw the graduation ceremony of the students from the East Cork Further Education and Youthreach Centre for the FETAC May 2009 assessments. This awards ceremony brought together the different departments working from the centre- namely the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme, the Back To Education Initiative and the Youghal Adult Learning group The event was presided over by Brian Crowley, MEP with Nuala Glanton, Adult Education Officer for County Cork VEC and Donal Griffin representing FETAC also in attendance.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) Group: Kate and Ela from Poland, Siobhan Carey, Tutor, Marzena and Monika from Poland and Flor De Luna Ó Horgain from Peru at the awards ceremony

The awards being presented were for Art, Craft and Design, Childcare, English for Speakers of Other Languages, Horticulture, Computer Literacy, ECDL, Communications, Maths, Preparation for Work, Personal Development and 1st Aid. The ceremony recognised and celebrated the success of over 200 people achieving component certificates across the disciplines with over a hundred students in actual attendance. 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.

VTOS Group with Donal Griffin, FETAC representative; Brian Crowley MEP; Nuala Glanton, Adult Education Officer Cork County VEC; Sharon Lupton, Youghal Women's Network and 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 to receive their awards was inspiring.

Computer Literacy/Information Technology group with Donal Griffin, FETAC representative, Brian Crowley MEP and tutors

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.
CLICK ON IMAGE to see the graduates receive their awards with Brian Crowley MEP