Adult Continuing Education

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Adult Continuing Education at UCC 2020 Edition How ACE Transformed A UCC Stalwart’s Experience Of Education at Cotter had spent almost Pthree decades working in UCC and a lifetime living next door to the college, seeing the benefits of education for the thousands of students who passed by every day, without considering the impact it could have on him. He had an appreciation of the transformative power of education, how those who left with their degrees in hand found it a leg-up in life, while fearing it himself – a legacy of schooling where children were rebuked rather than encouraged. He left to start work at 16. Before he started studying with UCC ACE, Pat says he probably wouldn’t have done this inter- view. He would’ve found a reason to say no. But having completed a Diploma Martin Coppinger in full flight winning the Munster Senior Road Bowling Championship final in Dunmanway, Co. Cork 2012. Courtesy of the Irish Examiner Archive. in Youth and Community Work, Picture: Des Barry Pat has gone on to do a Certificate in Disability Studies before under- taking a Masters in Voluntary and Martin’s reward right up there with All-Ireland wins Community Sector Management. artin Coppinger and Séamus stepping stone which turned into “At times, I felt like packing it achievement he ranks alongside “It’s something I never thought I’d MÓ Tuama’s paths had often a springboard to his life’s calling, in but I’m glad I stuck with it. The any of his All-Ireland titles. see myself doing and that’s down crossed along the rural roads of and Martin entering the gates of day we got our certs, it’s all worth “It’s right up there for the journey to ACE introducing me back into Cork but never in the halls of UCC. UCC after almost two decades out it then. of it. I’d never imagined getting education again,” he says. of education to take on a Diploma Martin, a Bantry-native and Hard to comprehend anything out of UCC. Even going Well into his second year of that four-time All-Ireland road bowling in Management and Team Devel- to UCC, doing a course, it was a big “unbelievable” course, he’s enjoy- champion, and Séamus, from Lis- opment. “Completing a course in UCC was thing. ing every step of his educational something I wouldn’t have dreamt goold, the Director of UCC ACE So when Séamus was performing “To graduate out of there – and journey and articulates all the ben- and road bowling correspondent his roll-call duties on the day of of so to be getting a diploma there efits he’s felt along the way with a was hard to comprehend. You’d I’ve my diploma here, framed and for the Irish Examiner. Two road Martin’s graduation, of course, he all – it was right up there with new-found confidence to say yes to bowling fanatics and two men who couldn’t let the moment pass with- just never think of going back to things outside his comfort zone. school or even being given the anything I’ve done really. It means left school after their Leaving Certs out giving Martin his full fanfare. an awful lot.” to go working on building sites. opportunity, so doing the course A Summer’s Evening on the Quad “There’s about 1,000 people in was a good challenge and a great Martin’s future had been more Both followed very different paths the hall, and Séamus made a big After all, you won’t find someone achievement.” influenced by his dad introducing more knowledgeable about the back to third-level, Séamus using thing out of me getting my one. In him to road bowling, aged 10, than agricultural college as a tentative front of everyone, I nearly died! That diploma is now framed on the wall of Martin’s home – an Continued on Page 7 Continued on Page 5

“My Kids saw me “It was a battle in my head, “I wanted to do picking myself up” but I deserve to be here” something preventative” Direct Provision Moving forward by Mental Health in the Scholarships Page 8 returning to education Page 16 community Page 18 2 Adult Continuing Education at UCC, 2020 Edition Adult Continuing Education at UCC, 2020 Edition 3 Letters

Something for everyone fter a hiatus of over twenty-five years I restarted my college Navigating Uncertainty & Change Aeducation in 2018 when I joined the Higher Diploma course in Coaching and Coaching Psychology in UCC. I wanted to reen- gage with academic learning and open up opportunities for my own Through Lifelong Learning at a very Cork festival self-development and more importantly to bring new expertise and knowledge to my organisation that would benefit my colleagues and Séamus Ó Tuama, ACE at UCC Director the parents and families we support. In the weeks leading up to the course I regularly found myself questioning my decision to go back to education and if I had made the right decision to do so. More impor- s I write this from my home, we are all still in the but remaining open to learning throughout your life is tantly, like many people who are considering a return to education, I Amidst of the Covid-19 pandemic. We don’t know when good for your wellbeing, it helps you participate socially pondered if I had the level of commitment required to complete the restrictions will be lifted. We don’t know if there will be a and economically, and the whole of society benefits from course. second wave of the pandemic. We don’t know if Covid-19 your learning. They say that hindsight is 20/20, but I know now that I made the will become endemic. right choice. I can only describe the year that followed as a trans- Let that not cloud how we see tomorrow. We live in an Lifelong learning was never more important. We are in formative journey of discovery in both my work and personal life. I incredible world, full of hope and opportunity. There is joy in a world that is undergoing unprecedented change. We are joined a class group where the sense of community and collegiality the future, there is hope in the future. But it is important too in a shift of epoch akin to eras like the Renaissance, the was always to the fore. All elements of the curriculum were insightful to reflect on now. To consider where we are and to imagine Reformation, or the French Revolution. and the lecturers were hugely supportive while they challenged and how we can shape a better future together. inspired you in equal measure. I gained new knowledge and under- Many of us have lost loved ones. We have seen the death Our world is at an existential tipping point, not because standing of how coaching and coaching psychology could add real and devastation that this virus can cause, the speed at which of Coronavirus, but because of Climate Change and the value to people’s lives and help them to build their self-awareness, it can travel and the upheaval it has brought to virtually every onward drive of new technologies. Like those previous self-belief and enhance their performance and enjoy a more reward- ing and fulfilling life. I found that these evidence-based coaching aspect of our lives. It has caused us to reflect on our personal huge changes this one is full of opportunities, but we approaches were applicable in multiple settings across both personal lives and to fear for those around us. It has pushed us to will have to learn to crest the wave rather than allow it and business domains and the course equipped me with the skills and consider what the future may hold, not just for ourselves, submerge us. knowledge I needed to become an effective and caring coach. The our families and friends, but for wider society and indeed the course also gave me an opportunity to develop a new service for our whole world. The opportunities for lifelong learning offered by ACE organisation where I had an opportunity to apply those new skills in Coronavirus has projected a glimpse of the kinds of huge at UCC (and other educational providers) is part of an a real world setting to support the parents of children with autism in challenges that lie ahead, to cope with those challenges we emerging tapestry of learning. We are just one tiny part managing the many challenges they face in their lives. need to learn well and learn fast. of that tapestry. We hope the stories in these pages inspire From a personal and professional perspective, I would have no We learn by reflecting on where we are now. Learning you, give you confidence and give you food for thought hesitation in recommending the Coaching and Coaching Psychology is in developing the knowledge, skills and understanding on things you want to learn now and in the future. programme in UCC. With the constant support of the lecturers and the for our new reality. It is also about developing the skills to encouragement of my classmates, it gave me a wonderful opportunity learn in dynamic and creative ways. This is often described Coronavirus will not always be a dark cloud over our to learn and grow as a person. More importantly it challenged my as cognitive flexibility, being able to perceive, process and lives. We will have many happy days ahead. Learning is thinking, it pushed me to challenge myself and ultimately to see how respond to situations in novel ways. part of the joy of that future. I hope you find things in coaching can help to unlock some of the vast untapped potential of Lifelong learning can be a catalyst for cognitive flexibility. these pages to ignite your quest for that joy in learning Róisín O’Driscoll, Shandon, getting a helping hand playing Connect Four at the Healthy Cities’ the people in the world around me. You don’t have to come to university to be a lifelong learner, and a bright new tomorrow. “Road Open For Play” initiative as part of the Cork Lifelong Learning Festival. Picture: Michael Kieran McAuliffe O'Sullivan / OSM PHOTO General Manager, Shine Centre for Autism (Cork)

hat I enjoy most about the course in Development and Human iubhán McCarthy had thing to continue to learn through- the programming of the festival. WRights is the diversity of subjects covered.“ Sexpected to be overseeing the out your life. Whereas in this instance, I’m They range across human rights, politics, history, geography, eco- not just practicing with the person next to final preparations for the Cork Life- “Every event is free, which, purely a coordinator. I just pull nomics, development, climate change, feminism, philosophy and more. you in the classroom. long Learning Festival last March. personally, is hugely important together what everybody else All are delivered by lecturers who make each topic entirely accessible ‘Coaching University’ “But that didn’t faze me. I remember my Instead, she found herself rede- that nobody has to have money does and make it into a festival. for a very varied group of students. first session, I knew I was in control, and I ployed to the HSE’s Inter-Agency in their pocket to go and learn or “It brings huge diversity to it Christine, helping others towards their Olympic potential knew I had the skills from what we’d learned Emergency Management Office, experience something. and it’s really uncurated. Any- 2nd year ACE student, Development and Global Human Rights and practiced. I knew I could do this. co-ordinating the fight against the “For people who are unemployed thing that comes towards me “It’s incredibly rewarding. The difference coronavirus. or thinking of reskilling, it’s inval- that has some piece of learning olette O’Sullivan calls the decision to join them.” you’d see from the first time you meet your For 2020, there will be no festi- uable that you can go and try these is acceptable as an event in the can highly recommend the MSc. Mindfulness Based Wellbeing, CACE as Finance and Operations Manager She signed up for the Certificate in Personal coachee to after three or four sessions with val but when it returns next year, things for free.” festival. Really, there’s learning I Teaching Mindfulness in Schools course. From the very first in 2018 “one of the best I’ve ever made”, and and Management Coaching, run by Pat them, it can be transformative. The coachee communities will once again come The festival has grown from 65 in everything. There’s learning in lecture I immediately felt at home. It is heart warming to be among a group of people who share the same passion and who are embarking not just because of the job. O’Leary, and soon found herself viewing is doing the work, the coach is just facilitat- together for the almost 600 events events in 2004, largely focused making a cup of tea in the morn- ing, but it’s very rewarding to be a small part that make it the largest festival of on how to use your smartphone or ing. There’s nothing that really on a mindful journey in Mindfulness based Wellbeing. A warm and She has been working as an accountant in UCC from a fresh perspective. caring environment is created by the extraordinary, skilled and inspir- UCC since 2002, going from the Research “I’ve been in UCC since 2002 but it’s my of that. its kind in the world. laptop, to an incredibly expansive can be turned away because “It’s the potential that we all have, and just The index for the 2019 festival offering, with some showcase there’s something to learn every- ing lecturers. Their knowledge and wisdom guide you in a steady and Office, to the Finance Office, to the Faculty of first time as a student and it’s lovely to see supportive way. This training has a very strong focus on supported Medicine for the building of their Brookfield the University through that lens. There are to have somebody guiding you to it, it really runs from 3D printing events to events bringing together 20 or where.” is incredible.” Zumba. Under the letter ‘c’ alone 30 different providers from that Siubhán emphasises how the experiential learning and deepening ones own personal practice. This Complex, to the School of Business and Law. great resources there. course has further ignited my passion for integrating mindfulness But upon her return from maternity leave, “I had to go back to basics because I hadn’t Plus, of course, unlocking the potential are events categorised by the head- community. Based on surveys of festival is built on volunteerism, within the coaches themselves. into my day as a teacher, both in school and outside of school. It has she got a call out of the blue from ACE direc- written an essay in over 20 years. I had to ings card playing, ceramics, chess the event hosts, Siubhán estimates and supported by the likes of greatly enhanced my sense of well-being and that of my class pupils. “It definitely improves your critical think- clubs, childcare, choral events, that 25,000 people, from all ages UCC, CIT, Cork City Council, tor Séamus Ó Tuama with a proposition of a learn all about referencing and go to library Madeline Currane. new role. She was ready for a change, even tutorials. For me, it was a steep learning ing, you’re thinking more skilfully, and it’s coaching, community, community and backgrounds, are impacted by the HSE, and Cork ETB. something that enhances working life, home Primary School Teacher, MSc. Mindfulness Based Wellbeing; beyond the job itself. curve but I loved every minute of it. TV, computers, conversation, the festival across the week. “Nobody gets paid to be in the Teaching Mindfulness in Schools “I went back to education and now I’m “The resources that are there for students are life, across the board. cookery, craft, creative writing, It’s not like any festival she’s festival. I don’t pay for any of training to be a coach,” says Colette, “and fantastic. What Kathy Bradley and her team “It’s just something I’m delighted I did. I’m crochet, and current affairs. There’s organised before, either, pulling the venues. So in order for it to who’s to say any of these things would have in the Skills Centre are doing is amazing. The part of a lovely community, I’ve happily sat no hierarchy in the programme – all categories of events together that be free, they have to put it on for in the classroom and would stay on. There happened if I stayed in my old role.” library has great tutorials and resources. The events are promoted equally and all range from aromatherapy to bar- free. Some people have difficulty t took me over 10 years to find a course that prompted me back to was no part of it I didn’t enjoy.” Being in ACE had her more attuned to support is just great.” events are free of charge. bering, dementia to flower arrang- wrapping their head around that further education. The MSc in Personal and Management Coach- Now, Colette wants to progress to the Mas- I the potential courses she could take and the Colette was joined on the course by people “There’s something in it for ing, green matters to mental health, but it’s a brilliant thing because ing was exactly the course for me. It offered evening lectures and ter’s course and from the summer, she’ll be positive feedback made her mind up. from a variety of backgrounds, from HR to everyone,” says Siubhán. “No otters to quilting, and stagecraft to people are passionate about what weekend workshops to accommodate a full time job. The diversity on the UCC coaching panel – an initiative, “I just wanted to do something I was person- psychology, from teachers to finance. “There matter what you’re in to, you’ll find Traveller culture. Often, it allows they’re doing and what they want of the modules offered something for everyone and the quality of the led by Anne Gannon, to develop UCC’s ally interested in and what kept coming up on are 15 people in the class and I’d say everyone something. community groups, like Meitheal to share. lectures made it easy to go from work to UCC. coaching culture and transform the College my radar was the coaching programmes, the is from a different area.” “The premise is lifelong learning Mara, who work with vulnerable “That’s why the festival has There was a fantastic camaraderie within the class. Very quickly into a ‘Coaching University’. mindfulness programmes. That variety only expanded when her 50 is good for you. It’s good for you people and on cross-border initia- grown so much and it’s so solid we knew we were on a learning journey together and we all helped “If any staff member, say, is in any diffi- “These are hugely successful programmes hours of practical coaching saw her take individually, to challenge yourself, tives, the opportunity to spread the in the psyche. We rely heavily on each other along the way. The learnings from open discussions are so culty, there’s a ready-made panel within the in ACE. Mindfulness started off as an eight- charge of five coachees, including an account- it’s good for your family, and it’s word to a wider audience. volunteers and if they didn’t give applicable and relevant to every aspect of life. This course equipped University available to UCC staff. week short course and now it’s a very suc- ant, a teacher, a UCC staff member, and a good for your community, and basi- “It’s been a strange model for of their time, there would be no me with the skills and confidence to truly use a coaching approach in “It’s very different to finances. For me, that cessful Master’s. So I was very aware of these potential Olympian. cally, something to be embraced a festival in that I’ve managed a festival.” my workplace helping my team to reach their potential. Colette O’ Sullivan, Finance and Operations programmes and the positivity from both staff “That’s when it becomes very real, when makes things more interesting and it’ll be a and encouraged. Regardless of couple of festivals, like Ocean to Manager at ACE at UCC lovely aspect of my working life.” Simon Keegan. and students, and anyone who’d actually done you’re dealing with real people and you’re the level of learning, regardless of City and Cork Craft Month, but in Manager at Eli Lilly what your interests are, it’s a good both of those, I was responsible for 4 Adult Continuing Education at UCC, 2020 Edition Adult Continuing Education at UCC, 2020 Edition 5

into the biopharmaceutical sector the course material prepared you. going on in my life. course. and it was there that education “I never, ever presented anything “Even the assignments them- “There were quite a few people Springboard opening returned to his radar. in front of anybody before I went selves might have been another got jobs in manufacturing so the However, the structure was totally to UCC. The first assignment was two or three hours a week so it was proof is there the course is doing unlike his secondary school expe- tough but by the end of it, I was six hours a week tops for a Level 7 what it’s intended to do.” doors for students rience. quite comfortable presenting to the “That was one thing I liked about whole class.” the course because I didn’t do the The course also worked through Spotlight on Springboard+ at ACE pringboard+ courses offer end of the course. standard Leaving Cert, as such. My job applications and case studies to Stargeted qualifications “We had painters, carpenters, family was all into apprenticeships help with interviews. in growing sectors of the people with previous degrees that so I went down that road. I just “There were certain aspects that ACE offers part-time Springboard+ courses from economy that need skilled weren’t quite sure where they don’t have the initiative to sit down helped me gain experience and NFQ level 7-9 which include: personnel. wanted to go. This course opens and absorb information and that’s knowledge before applying for the • Academic expertise combined with industry focus Funded by the Government doors for you. It’s not just manufac- what the Leaving Cert essentially job. aimed at upskilling or reskilling and EU, Springboard+ courses turing, it’s so broad that you have is. How much information can you “The other side of it was the • Dedicated support for adult learners are free for job-seekers and different paths for which way you absorb on that day? interpersonal skills. We did a lot • Individual career coaching returners to education, while want to go. “Whereas this course was an of people management and conflict those in employment receive “If people are unaware of their ongoing assessment. I actually management and all these are • Courses rated highly by employers and a 90% fee subsidy from the own applications, it just opens found the course quite easy because contributing factors to becoming a graduates alike Higher Education Authority. their eyes to what they can actually it’s something I was interested in shift lead because they play a big • 100% fee subsidies for jobseekers and returners Academic theory is mixed achieve. There was one chap in and there were no exams at the end. role in that. Attending a Level 7 to the workforce with an industry focus to pro- that class, he used to get epileptic I’m sure if there were exams at the course that was primarily made up • 90% fee subsidies for those in employment. duce courses that are as highly episodes because of groups and he end, I would have found it quite of that course material, it definitely rated by graduates as they are got first-class honours. difficult so the structure they have benefited my application.” sought-after by employers. “It pushed him outside his com- implemented is fantastic.” Kieran says he found the work- Applications will open in late May/early June. Kieran Egan, who completed fort zone so if you want to open Kieran earned first-class honours. study-life balance manageable too. E-mail [email protected] to join the the Operator Development doors and opportunities and just Another first was learning how to “Why it worked so well for me mailing list. (Pharma Manufacturing) make yourself a better person, it’s do presentations, which has become was because it was one night a course last year, saw a number definitely a fantastic course.” part of his new role with BioMarin. week for three hours. I have a two- Springboard+ is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and of his classmates get manu- Kieran wouldn’t have considered “Presenting in groups definitely and-a-half-year-old child, we were the European Social Fund and part of the ESF programme for facturing jobs during or upon himself as having a strong educa- brought me out of my shell. Inside in the process of selling our house employability, inclusion and learning 2014-2020. completing the certificate. tional background before starting in work, you’ve to give inductions to buy another property, full-time He was among them, being the course. He entered working life if there are new starts or interns work, and starting a new job. I was promoted to a Packaging Shift as an apprentice plumber before the coming in. It’s a very daunting task able to complete the course to the Left: Kieran Egan, Springboard student at UCC. Pat Cotter, UCC General Services Duty Officer and co-founder of A Summer’s Evening on the Quad. Lead at BioMarin towards the recession shut that door. He moved if you’re not used to it but UCC and best of my ability with all this stuff Photo: Michael McSweeney/ Provision

about getting the fees in from this, second to none. “They invest in the people” they invest in the people.” “I found the lecturers there had The Psychology Behind Policing For the Disability Studies Certifi- life experiences and had worked “What I found really comforting cate, Pat approached it as a means in the backgrounds in which they ou might think Allison resort, really. People call us when of understanding the changes that were teaching and were able to tell YO’Flynn’s Master’s in things have fallen apart. was that there are other people Cover Story Continued because when you were in school UCC could make to help students us the good and the bad. It was just Drama and Theatre Studies seems “But to think there’s so much operations of UCC. A Duty Officer long ago, the teacher would always with disabilities. But it was a amazing to hear their life stories. utterly unrelated to her Diploma can be done to prevent crime and fighting the same battle as you, in the University’s General Services say you’re the one that’s going to presentation on concert access, and “You learn an awful lot about in the Psychology of Criminal anti-social behaviour before you team, he’s worked under five dif- end up sweeping the streets and you how even some disability-friendly yourself, which was brilliant. But Behaviour. ever need to call the police, that but in their subject.” ferent presidents in his 33 years on were constantly being put down. venues can mean restricted access, even some of the stuff I was able It might not be a common qual- you’re stopping the problem before campus. And for the last 15 years, But with ACE, the programmes that sparked an idea. to lend, the life skills I’d picked up, ification in the ranks of An Garda it begins, it’s really the way things he’s been the driving force behind have a way of giving you a sense of “On the back of that, I decided to even though I didn’t have formal Síochána but Allison, a Kilkenny need to be focused. The problem the Summer’s Evening on the Quad worth, which is brilliant. put on a concert on the Friday night education to a certain extent, would native who joined the force in with that, from a policing point of concerts, which bring 2,000 people “I found the most difficult part for before the main concert for people have shocked people to know I had 2005, can see a link. view, is that it’s very hard to put “Community policing is more of a enjoy – like I really enjoyed all to the campus every year and saw me was just making the start and with disabilities. What would that volume of work ethic and the “Drama and acting is all tied in into statistics crimes that haven’t personal touch. People feel there’s the stuff about psychopathy and Pat receive the Lord Mayor’s saying I’m going to do it and not happen is anybody in a wheelchair, job I was doing. Likewise, I was with human nature and the study happened.” a human connection there. That’s personality disorders. You just Civic Award for his exceptional putting it on the long finger. If you or who has autism, or visual or shocked at how other people had so of human psychology so I guess There are many examples of the basis of all policing, knowing learn so much. contribution to the cultural life of feel you want to do something and hearing difficulties, could come much on their plate and they didn’t there is a thread from that point different disciplines improving what’s going on in your commu- “I was always really looking Cork. 100% of ticket sales go to a course is suitable for you, just go along to the Quad, enjoy a concert, realise how much they were doing of view.” policing outcomes: architectural nity. It gives a bit of comfort to forward to my lectures. There’s their charity partners, with north and do it. It could be the simplest but not only could they sit with until it came to putting it down on The diploma involves one week- developments producing housing the community and makes it more just so much variety within it of €600,000 raised for good causes course but it’s something ACE their family, they weren’t placed paper. end a month in the classroom, with estates without the alleyways, stable. and it exposes you to the expan- since 2006. is putting on that people have an anywhere differently. Allison’s group including four nooks, and crannies of social hous- “The fear of crime is actually sive nature of the field.” “If it wasn’t for the ACE course, guards, one of whom has since ing projects of the past; car manu- That concert was part of the rea- interest in and you will get to meet much more prevalent than the “In three years, it’s gone from I know I wouldn’t be on a Master’s become a sergeant. The class also facturers improving technology to son he chose to take up his initial like-minded people there. actual crime, especially in the 800 people to nearly 2,000 people course at the minute.” included a prison officer, a solic- prevent thefts. diploma, after much persuasion. older populations. They’re the least Course Spotlight “With the Youth and Community coming in with disabilities and September 22nd is the key date itor, and social and community That crime prevention ethos has Willie Weir of ACE had been in likely to be the victims of crime but course, we’ve made lifelong they love every aspect of it. It’s the taking up his attention now, dead- workers, among others. permeated policing approaches, his ear for four years or so, ‘Do the they have the most fear of being a friends. We’re still in touch with first time in a lot of cases that kids line day for his dissertation. As The tutors were similarly varied, too, with the Public Order Unit, course, Pat. It’ll be very helpful to victim of crime. The psychology of Diploma in the Psychology one another and still bounce ques- with autism could come to an event ever, his volunteer work is central including talks from a prison psy- which Allison is a member of, you. You’re doing the stuff Youth all that is really interesting when of Criminal Behaviour tions off one another in different without having to wear the head- to the topic: life after homeless- chologist, a youth rehabilitation employing step-by-step escalations and Community Work is all about.’ you drill down into it.” Location: UCC situations. So it’s not just about phones or without having to go into ness. Asking how do people cope counsellor, a Garda inspector in response to volatile situations Eventually, he relented. Not just The community approach pays Duration: 2 years going to a course every Tuesday a dark room, and were able to walk with getting a house, and what on dealing with witnesses, an and clear messaging to ease to up-skill for the concerts, but to extra dividends when dealing with Delivery: One weekend per night and getting a diploma at the around if they felt like walking structures and supports are put in army officer on military law, tensions when dealing with the help in his volunteering with Cork a situation like the coronavirus end of it. You actually get a life around or tumble down the bank place for them? and a researcher leading the psychology of crowds. month (Oct. to Sept). Penny Dinners and Fr Mathew’s skill that you can carry with you no if they wanted to tumble down the pandemic, with people living in “That’ll delve into the reason why battle against child abuse imagery The content covered in the course Basketball Club. matter where you go. bank, with no restrictions on them.” isolation more plugged in to a force people have been homeless in the online. also filters into Allison’s day-to- that’s there to help them, whatever Aim: This course explores the Now, he’s playing the role Willie “Until then, I probably wouldn’t Amazing life stories first place. Was it down to lone- “The course tutors they had in day work as part of the Community the situation. workings of the criminal mind did for him. have done this interview with you. were excellent,” says Allison, Policing Unit in Mayfield. and examines what motivates Aside from group work, having liness living in bed flats on their As for those unsure about taking “I’d advise anybody to take the I would have said no but it’s given “like really high quality and “It just becomes so enmeshed in individuals to commit crimes continuous assessment, instead of own? Was it down to a breakup in a on the course, Allison recommends step because I was fearful of look- me more enlightenment into how I engaging. What I found interest- the way you’re thinking, it broad- of a deviant nature, as well written exams, appealed to Pat, and marriage or a relationship? Or was the 10-week Introduction to ing stupid, or not being able to cope have a bit of knowledge in certain ing about it and really comforting ens your mind in your approach to as how investigators collect he received all the help he needed it life just got on top of them?” Criminal and Forensic Psychology with the workload, or not being areas and if I can share it, I can in a way was that there are other things and the reach you can have. psychological clues as he found himself writing for There’s no shortage of people for Allison O'Flynn keeping an eye on St course as a taster for the diploma. able to comprehend the questions, share it. people fighting the same battle as “The psychology of it all just assignments, with the lecturers him to talk to, with Penny Dinners Patrick's Street as part of a Mayfield “I really loved it. I’d totally advise and not ask questions, and the usual you, but in their subject. permeates policing totally. There’s “What ACE do, they encourage approachable at all times. on board as well as his part in the Community Policing patrol during the people if they’re interested at all, fears that people would have when and enhance that a little bit more High Hopes Choir. And he won’t be coronavirus lockdown. Photo: Garda “It reassures me because there’s much more awareness of that these they’ll find it very rewarding and it came to education. and bring it out in you. The help “It was one of the most interest- Síochána - Southern Region Facebook only so much the police can do days than there would have been in you can focus in on the stuff you ing things I’ve ever done and the short of confidence either, as he goes “But I had all of that in my head is there and the skills are there to from interviewee to interviewer. about a lot of things. We are a last the past. bring you along, and it’s not all support given to me by ACE was 6 Adult Continuing Education at UCC, 2020 Edition Adult Continuing Education at UCC, 2020 Edition 7

“It was a bit daunting for me down the line. avoiding the pitfalls of cram- Life story: Coaching course ‘a journey when I hadn’t much school done, “[It’s about] challenging myself. ming, while also fitting in some “It gives you a different perspective “Even going to UCC, doing or anything like that, but I went A team lead would be challenging road bowling training in a with it. It wasn’t what I thought but that’s what I want to do. I don’t closed-off Carrigaline factory. on things you think you might know” it’d be, it wasn’t as difficult. Lots want to sit back. I’d rather take a “If I can do it, anyone can do to realising your potential’ a course, it was a big thing.” of my own experiences helped challenge on and if it works out, it. From a limited background with the assignments. it works out. It’s a bit like doing in education and being out of Cover Story Continued block layers, labouring jobs, stuff hen Hugh O’Donovan “It wasn’t all plain sailing. I the course, just take it on, and I’m education for 15 or 20 years, like that.” struggled with writing, getting the glad I passed it and glad it stands it’s very possible. Wstood in front of a room full his time spent inside the classroom. of ACE graduates to deliver his The crash, though, meant it was right language for assignments. to me.” “The rewards for yourself, Martin was among a group of kids time to convert to factory work, I could talk it out but getting the commencement speech, he distilled who’d bowl up and down the road He says the course made him even to complete a course two decades of army experience, where he found a job as a contrac- right words and the style they’d look at people and the wider and graduate out of it, besides from their estate to a local beach, tor with DePuy Synthes in 2012, want it written in, backing it all and another two decades in the never losing a bowl to the sea but company in a new way in his day- what’ll come down the line out world of coaching, into his opening before being made full-time 18 up; that took a lot of research but I to-day work. “You automatically of having qualifications, it’s a plenty to the surrounding ditches. months later. enjoyed that side of it too.” line: “You can always rewrite your He reckons many are still there to put it into practice when you’re great boost to your confidence, story.” this day, monuments to the biggest But being an All-Ireland cham- He entered the course working as working. Unknown to myself, a great boost to your self-belief. It’s a story he’s lived time and name in Irish road bowling. pion in one part of your life means an operator, and emerged as a line I always come back to stuff I “Anything is possible. It’s up again. you’re likely to be ambitious in manager, overseeing 10 people in learned, especially dealing with He left school around the turn to yourself if you want to put His current role as a chartered your work too, and Martin wanted the HipEx department. “I’ve been people.” in the work. It can be difficult psychologist and performance of the millennium with a poor to develop himself further. in that job since I completed the Leaving Cert in hand but it was Work gave him support, too, managing time with family, coach is the perfect melting pot for “Since then, I’ve always been course,” he adds. managing his shifts around his work, or other commitments Hugh’s varied life experiences. boom-time in Ireland, so work was plentiful. “It was all about trying to progress and the opportu- He’d like to continue on that path study, as he learned to manage the but at the end of it, the rewards He started out as a primary school nity came up through UCC. now, targeting a role as a team lead coursework in bitesize chunks, are there.” teacher, with a background in soci- building and I was working for ology, before rising to the rank of Jim O'Donovan accompanied by his wife Catherine Devlin (left) and niece Anne Commandant in the Irish Defence Burke, who is manager of UCC ACE, after receiving his Certificate in Arts (History) Forces by the time of his retire- in November 2019. Picture: David Keane ment, having served in Lebanon ‘It opens up and Yugoslavia, as well as along the border during The Troubles. A a whole new im O’Donovan wasn’t long more deeply and getting different qualified chef and sommelier, he Jretired from his job with Cork perspectives from the lecturers established a restaurant with his world. It’s a new City Council when he started and from the books. wife, Michelle, before completing looking for a course to take on. “It gives you a different perspec- his psychology degrees. A former director of the city’s tive on things you think you might In his sporting life, he played way of seeing’ environment and recreation know.” rugby for Munster and Cork Con, services, he set-up the Cork City lining out as part of a second-row Dr Griffin Murray UCC presents guest speaker Hugh O Donovan He has nothing but praise for the Marathon in 2007 and served as tutors either, who were happy to pairing with Donal Lenihan in a with The Atlas of the Irish Revolution after addressing the 2019 tudents describe seeing the race director until 2018. star-studded Con team which fea- world around them with new facilitate questions and comments ACE spring conferring ceremony at Devere Hall. S He had completed an MA in from the class. tured a host of Ireland internation- Photo: David Keane eyes after a few months on the als; half-backs Michael Bradley European Art History Diploma. Local Government Management “The lecturers, like John Ware, and Ralph Keyes, and Moss Finn; The course jam-packs 2,500 years in 2005 but was looking for a new Alan McCarthy, Rory O’Dwyer, challenge, to pursue an interest. plus Munster’s try-scorer against “That’s being challenged with the responsibility in organisations, of art, sculpture, and architecture Jacqueline Fitzgibbon, they’re all the All Blacks in that famous 1978 rate of change currently. You can maybe leadership roles or man- into two years of weekly classes. That’s where the Certificate in very engaged with their work and win, Christy Cantillon. become an expert in one particular agement roles, it’s then the messy There’s also the small matter of two History came onto his radar. extremely knowledgeable. It all feeds into his work as area and change comes along and business of working with people international trips – one to Florence “I found it very good, very inter- “They were open to questions programme co-director of the you lose your job or you may need starts. or Rome in the first year, followed esting. I had done some different and different comments. They Higher Diploma in Coaching / to reinvent yourself along the way. “It becomes slightly more chal- by another European trip in year courses but not that kind of aca- encouraged it. They would ask, Coaching Psychology, with Hugh “There’s very little within educa- lenging when you have to engage two, usually to Amsterdam, Berlin, demic-type course. what do people think of this, that, also organising a conference which tion that actually prepares people to with people and motivate them London, or Paris – although they’re “The content of the course and the other?” coincides with the 10th anniversary manage themselves and deal with and understand them and manage far from the only attraction. was quite challenging and very Topics covered included The of the course. Indeed, he’s had no all of this change, all of the poten- them. This is where the growth is Sheila Kingston didn’t know interesting. It was quite a small Origins of European Identity, The problem attracting speakers as tial setbacks. What happens when for many people. They have loads about the international trips when group, eight or 10 or us, and there Making of the Modern Irish State, UCC develops into a “hotspot” in you lose your job? What happens of experience but it’s beginning she signed up. were quite varying opinions about US History since 1865, and a case the expanding field of coaching. when things don’t turn out the way to learn to manage themselves An accounting and maths teacher issues covered. There was good study in research skills. Much of his work can be distilled you planned them? How do you and other people in more effective at Intermediate School, Killorglin, discussion in the class.” Jim found getting used to the set- down to untapping the incredible manage yourself? ways.” she’s among a number of students Jim couldn’t but be struck by the pieces of essay-writing, punctua- potential in people, understanding “When we talk about things like And while he’s not a man for travelling a distance to attend the commitment of many in the class, tion and referencing, a challenge, and overcoming what may be hold- emotional intelligence, as opposed many formulas, he does offer one: Tuesday night lectures. Sheila in their 30s and 40s, taking time but one he was happy to embrace. ing them back. to intelligence quotient (IQ) and performance equals potential minus from Killarney. One from Tralee. between their family and work “Sometimes people ask me how how that is measured in education the interference. That could be Two from Glenbeigh. Two from “We had to do an oral presenta- lives to study something they had long have I been coaching,” says currently, emotional intelligence is internal, through our anxieties and Limerick. tion on the research we did on a passion for. Hugh, “and even though I didn’t becoming increasingly important doubts and lack of confidence, and “For years, I always wanted to do ACE European Art History Diploma students view The Umbrellas by Renoir at Hugh Lane Gallery in Dublin. Éamon de Valera, which was again fully realise it, or understand the in terms of how people relate to the external in terms of the challenges the diploma and every year, I’d say “Being retired, I had that bit a bit of a challenge but that’s good. theory or the logic around it, I world and those in it. We’re very put in our path. maybe I’ll get to do it next year. But more time, even though I didn’t One of the modules was basically started coaching early in my career good at solving problems, we’re “One core definition we begin this year, I spotted it and started it spend too much time on it, to read to do a critique on a book, Judging and I love it. It’s not just holidays abroad either. been in there 10 or 12 times in all “Visual literacy, critical analysis, and research. A lot of the people Dev by Diarmaid Ferriter. as an army officer, working with very good at delivering tasks, with in coaching is unlocking the years looking at the Canova writing, responding to images in a Course Spotlight people, motivating people, leading and we’ve all of the educational people’s potential to maximise “You see things differently. The The likes of the Crawford Gallery were working as well and some “In critiquing that book, we lectures are just so interesting. I in Cork, the National Museum collection, but went in with new critical way, these are all skills we of them had young families so it people, managing people in stress- requirements around that, but the their performance. Sometimes our eyes and new learning, and that’s build up. The assessments are spe- had to look at other work on De ful and demanding situations. third leg of that stool is how we thinking is the greatest obstacle to thought before, how can I sit for in Dublin, the Hunt Museum in Diploma in European Art was more of an effort for them to Valera. I found doing the research three hours and listen to lectures, but Limerick, and medieval areas of very exciting. cifically designed to support people History (Special Purpose attend the course and do the essays “It’s a really interesting space work with and manage people. achieving our potential. “Many people would enjoy it in picking up and developing those increased my knowledge of De to be in because at a global level, “Even going back to my military “Coaching is a very pure form of it actually flies by. It’s because it’s Kilkenny have also featured on Award) and reading. Valera and I would certainly have visual as well and you’re engaging trips. and open up a whole new area of skills. Venue: UCC there are certain things we can’t days when I was a young army education in that it seeks to draw interest for themselves. And am “The trips are a nice thing to do “It was a significant effort for much more respect for him now predict or control, like dealing with officer, I was trained in leading out the potential that’s always there with it all the time. Miriam Verling, a recently retired Duration: 2 years people who were working as well, than I would’ve had before. “Even nowadays, if I’m walking Montessori and childcare teacher I delighted I’m doing it now that while you’re studying but it’s also Delivery: One evening per the coronavirus at the moment. other people but with very little ref- for people that sometimes remains COVID is here because I wouldn’t a vital component to be able to coming out for a few hours on a “There was a good bit of reading “We do need to understand dif- erence to how I led myself, how I unrealised for various reasons, how around town, I notice architecture in from the Cork College of Com- week plus occasional field trips Wednesday night through the win- a way I never did before. It retrains merce, has already been making be reading all these art books that actually look at art and study it in Aim: The course surveys to do, a good bit of research. It was ferent ways of behaving, different managed myself, how I understood we perceive ourselves and how we are totally new to me. So I was person. But of course, they’re there ter when they could be at home. challenging to do essays and even ways of relating to the world we myself.” limit ourselves: ‘I’d never be able your eye and makes you aware of use of her newfound knowledge. European art history from It just showed most of them had a everything that’s going on around “It’s amazing how you look with delighted to have a focus for the to be enjoyable as well and to get the fifth century BCE to to have the written exam, which live in, which are likely to give us The messy business of working to do that. That would be too hard.’ shutdown we’re in at the moment.” students out of the classroom.” strong passion for the subject. was the Origins of European Civ- some chance of continuing even, you. new eyes at paintings and sculp- contemporary practice. It with people “So how do you rewrite your Programme coordinator Matthew As Sheila says: “Once Matthew “It was good to have a group ilization module. I hadn’t done a dare I say it, as a species into the “I just love it. It opens up a whole tures because now you’ve got the introduces you to the work of story? The reality of coaching is to Whyte says the course attracts a lot mentioned it, I said, oh, my God, artists, sculptors, and architects with that interest and commitment written exam for 10 or 12 years. future.” Hugh sees people enrolling with invite them into what I call the fear new world. It’s a new way of seeing. correct tools to look at what the their own diverse experiences “I know two friends of mine have artist was doing. of teachers, from art and non-art that sounds brilliant. Going off in the disciplinary canon and so I’d recommended it as a course But overall, I would recommend it For Hugh, the importance of zone, the anxiety zone, the insecu- backgrounds. In recent intakes, on a trip with two people that are examines their work within to anyone with an interest in his- highly.” education isn’t so much the regur- to bring to the classroom, from rity zone, and just beyond that is said they’d love to do it once it starts “It makes you more interested in business to health, from education going into even local museums. I they’ve also had a number of doc- masters of their craft and they the broader social and cultural tory. You’re studying the subject gitation of pages of textbook theory the development zone, the growth again, just from me talking to them. context of its production. to policing, and everything in Even with the distance. But it’s went back into the Crawford Art tors and engineers, among a variety explaining it to you – you couldn’t and it’s certainly not one size fits zone, and moving on to your new of professions. ask for better than that.” all. In this changing world, we need between. comfort zone, which might be worth it.” Gallery with totally new eyes. I’d to train ourselves in adaptability. “When people are given more getting a diploma. 8 Adult Continuing Education at UCC, 2020 Edition Adult Continuing Education at UCC, 2020 Edition 9

“The reflection journal we had to be.” itating, yes to continuous learning, to do for the second term was: for Ireland has given Deborah plenty yes to being a member of boards Sanctuary movement a gift amid traumas of direct provision somebody you have worked with, of gifts, too: the opportunity to find working with asylum seekers, and write about trauma and recovery. her voice, to sit in the audience of yes to speaking, and I will say yes eborah Oniah left her home found others believing in her before about victims and victim-blaming. easy but at the time, it was the only I said to my lecturer, I don’t talk a school play pinching herself with to many more opportunities that I Dcountry to escape feelings she believed in herself. That was huge for me. Where we decision I needed to take because I to anyone, I don’t know anyone, I her son in the lead role, to work as have. So, behind the wall of noth- of powerlessness. Not being able Now, a year into her Postgraduate grew up in Africa, there are so was stuck and it was getting worse only know me, myself, my life, and an intercultural dialogue facilitator, ing, by saying yes, I have escaped.” to exercise her rights or fully be Diploma in Trauma Studies, she many things you take as normal but and worse and worse. being in direct provision. She said, and to have a piece published in herself. To avoid the cycle of hope- says her life has been transformed they’re not normal. Because you’re “I was becoming invisible and go ahead and write about it. Correspondences: An Anthology to lessness that so many had fallen through education. used to it and you’re born into powerless in myself and as a mum, “It was healing to write it. This Call for an End to Direct Provision. Course Spotlight into and she could feel creeping up “My kids are so proud, because it and the system is like that, you I was seeing the same pattern course is a huge recovery for me, In the piece, she wrote: “Behind on her. they saw me go through everything. don’t see anything wrong until you unfolding for my own kids. It was just reading it and being able to the wall of the hostel, being in the Postgraduate Diploma in Leaving her family and her coun- All the times I cried and sometimes come to a different space. a huge fear of can I do it for myself write about me and tell my story. asylum process, the dreaded brown Trauma Studies try was a hard decision but the only they would join in and cry with me. “For me, to read through those alone? But it was something I had I don’t think I will ever be as registered envelope evokes much Venue: Online distressed as I used to be. Maybe fear. The fear of uncertainty is very option she had, to protect herself They didn’t know why but they’d lines and see everything I’ve been to do. It was very hard, one of the Duration: 2 Years and her children. start crying. They saw all the through and I’m still standing, it hardest decisions I ever had to I’ll be tired or overwhelmed but real. I am not sure what the Justice Delivery: One evening per When she arrived in Ireland three suffering and they saw me picking was really strong. In the course, I make in my life. that dark place of depression, I Department will say, or when they years ago with her three sons and myself up and doing this. realised that for me to be able to go “I’d never been to Ireland but I don’t know if I will ever go there will make a decision. In this state, week plus occasional weekend a daughter on the way, she found “Like who would have thought through all the trauma and victim- knew I needed to leave.” because I’ve been able to learn how my life and safety and that of my workshops herself cast into the direct provision someone like me would be in hood and still be standing is a sign After a year stuck inside the to support myself with this course. children is one thing that keeps me system. Another cycle of isolation, UCC? I remember the first time of resilience.” walls of the direct provision centre, “It’s been life-transforming for awake most nights, low some days Aim: This course focuses fear, and uncertainty. I held my student ID card in my Deborah grew up with her grand- Deborah started finding ways to me, particularly being a mum in and full of fear on many other days. on both the individual and She fell into depression, trapped hand. Just to have that and feel I’m mother after her mother left, while get involved in the community, direct provision. Before now, it’s It can eat your time, mind, health societal implications of trauma in this hostel with nowhere to go or part of ACE and part of UCC… I her elder sisters were raised at two describing the moment she joined just been living my life around my and everything that gives you and draws on examples and no means to go there. But Deborah don’t have my residency yet but I aunt’s houses. She could feel the Sanctuary Runners as “when my kids. But having something for me strength, but with nature and the experiences from individuals found a way to escape, through look at myself and just to know I’m same patterns unfolding for her life started”. and understanding myself better people I met every day, I escape. who survived, and societies speaking and writing, through sup- in UCC is huge. kids as they faced huge challenges Inspired by her kids, she crossed and the best way to support myself, “The air that I breathe says yes to emerging from, violent political porting and advocating for asylum “For me to be able to do that with in school and she faced huge chal- the finish line of the Cork City I’m very grateful. me. The green grass and trees say conflict seekers, through everyone she kids and still study, you can’t put a lenges as a woman trying to have a Marathon relay: “You know when “I remember when the news came yes to me. The genuine people I meets on the Sanctuary Runners price on it.” career and family life. people say you can’t buy happiness, about the lockdown, I was very have met since being here say yes anxious, I couldn’t breathe. I had to to me. I know for sure this time my and at Cork Migrant Centre coffee Dark place Law took a backseat and for a you just have it. That was a gift for stop and take deep breaths and then brown registered envelope will say Certificate in mornings, and through education. while, she went around schools me to have and I’ve been running Contemporary Living She applied for everything she Deborah describes herself as still teaching kids about self-esteem since then. Running is my wellness one of my teachers was saying, yes to me. So, with faith, I escape. could do that was pinned to that being in the recovery phase from while struggling to have any her- tool now, and reading too, and just look, you’re not the way you used “I have said yes to almost every Venue: UCC noticeboard, each one a ticket to the traumas she’s endured. self. having education, and being able to to be. Before now, it’d be you being opportunity that has come my Duration: 2 yeasr freedom. One such ticket was a “Coming to Ireland and hoping “I just got tired because you’re better myself.” powerless and not having anything way. That is the beauty of Ireland Delivery: Two days per week you would have that freedom and but now you have the support, you and life in general. It presents you notice about UCC’s Sanctuary in a situation where you know it’s I only know me Scholarships. then being in a space of direct wrong but there’s no support for have your education, you have your with opportunity and if you have Aim: This course enables Deborah is a qualified lawyer provision and being isolated and you. Because I had the education When she went to the first kids, you’re safe. nothing, that opportunity is the students with intellectual and had worked as a life coach in not being with people was quite I have, it’s not like it was easier Trauma Studies lecture, she felt Deborah Oniah, with her daughter Muna, speaking at UCC “Just the reminder that I have all something that you can have. I disabilities to develop skills Nigeria but she didn’t believe she’d traumatising. I was in a dark place, to leave my family and leave my intimidated among the profes- Refugee Week last February. Picture: Tomas Tyner of this helped me catch myself and have said yes to the Cork City of to support increased self- be good enough to be accepted. She very depressed. husband and just come. It wasn’t sionals, such as therapists and say, okay, it’s not the way it used Sanctuary movement, yes to facil- determination and to maximise “The beginning of the course was psychologists, in her class. their capacities for participation in, and contribution to, their own communities and the wider The class proudly wore their UCC independent. own. One is working in the likes of society. Breaking down barriers to independence hoodies as they ambled around the “It gives them a belief in them- 96FM and another is working in a let him grow up, get independent, campus during breaks, used their selves that they can do more than medical centre in Skibbereen.” “The CCL gave me my first steps to independence. If it hadn’t student cards in shops, and joined maybe they think they can do. As he said to conclude his pres- and in a way, move away from but then they're used to all that's been for them, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.” clubs and societies, like the Archery And maybe it shows the families, entation: “My parents won’t be us. It taught him living skills. on offer there and they're looking Club, where fellow UCC students as well, they are capable of doing around forever and I don’t want to They used to bring them out on for something new. The change in coached Kevin in the sport. more than we think because we be dependent on my younger broth- evin Walsh was asked back be safe and minded, she was happy trips, it got them used to going on environment from a very sheltered “They were welcomed into any always want to protect them.” ers and sisters. I want to be the best to UCC recently to do a pres- to step back and let me grow up. public transport, they did some workshop or training setting into K society they wanted to join. They In attending and graduating from I can be, just like everybody else.” entation for the University’s social “The CCL gave me my first steps work experience, they learned something like UCC, which is a used to love going in early in the UCC, Kevin also set the example The course got Kevin thinking work students on his experiences to independence. If it hadn’t been the internet, Gmail, computers, huge campus, a huge number of morning and going into the Stu- for his four younger siblings, who about the steps he’d like to take of the Certificate in Contemporary for them, I wouldn’t be the person budgeting, music modules, project students, and they just become dents’ Union coffee place. They'd looked up to him as he navigated in life, and course director Máire Living (CCL). I am today.” work. It gave them confidence in one of this big group of students, sit there and never once in the college life. Leane says many parents will flag As he cast his mind back to 2012, It’s a story repeated many times in themselves, they were constantly is a very different kind of learning two years Kevin was there did we “It was a stepping stone to help their children finding their own signing up as he did after com- the 11 years since the CCL began praised, and they all learned how to environment for them. ever hear of any hassle or anything me prepare for independence,” he voice through the CCL. pleting the Leaving Cert, Kevin life as a pilot module. Back then, help each other. “Rather than just being part of a negative towards any of them. says. She cites students taking the study recalled his thoughts at the time. parents insisted the course must “It gave them the whole university cohort that have disabilities, they're “I think the rest of UCC got “It gave me way more confidence skills they’ve learned into further How all his friends in school were keep going and growing. They experience. They got the gradua- seeing themselves as being part of a something out of it as well. They to make my own decisions. It gave education courses in animation, talking about going to college, how raised funds for a second module tion and went through life just like wider cohort of everyday students. were always so helpful to them me the ability to make my own way hospitality, and IT, as well as the he wanted to be like them, and like to be developed, and UCC staff everybody else would. That really improves self-esteem and there was never any negativity to college. All the modules gave workplace. his parents too, who had both gone organised fundraisers too. “But more importantly, they for the students. They also love the or any bullying or the things you me the opportunity to learn about “Increasingly people who have to college and become doctors. He The community impact evident really, really cared about them buzz on campus. worry about when you have a child myself and what I can do.” intellectual disabilities are going wanted his college experience. from the start. compared to other courses because “That freedom opens up a much who's a little bit different. There through mainstream channels in The CCL, an innovative, two- Cocooned since Kevin left, if there are things Assurance bigger environment for them was never any of that. They were primary and secondary school but year, part-time course for people happening, they'll send out emails than they might have been used Several years later and Eileen more than welcomed by all the staff Kevin is now learning to drive when they come to third-level, they with intellectual disabilities, gave to the past pupils and they're very to if they've been in a service. Walsh, Kevin’s mother, still speaks and all the students. and has taken on more activities, hit a wall and have to deviate from him that chance. interested in how they've all done. That's important to them and they about the impact of the course “They were all so proud. You'd like Toastmasters, which helped where all their peers are going. He remembered his mother giving “When you have a child with often tell us that they like being on Kevin, on their family, on his see them all wearing their UCC with his presentation to the social “Creating an inclusive teaching up full-time work, going part-time a disability in most services, it's treated like adults, that they're classmates, and on the wider UCC hoodies and just being part of it. It work class. and learning environment in UCC to help him with his homework a box-ticking exercise. It’s so given encouragement to think community. Kevin has a speech really meant so much to them.” “CCL gave my mother the assur- that was open to and welcoming of every day. How he was “totally frustrating and it's banging my for themselves, that they're given and language issue which they’ve Kevin was the youngest and the ance that I can move on and helped different groups of learners is very dependent” on her assistance. But head against a brick wall. Whereas challenges to figure out what they never managed to get a diagnosis only one to have completed the me keep developing. In my talk much part of what we are trying to as time went on, he became more in UCC, in the CCL course, they want for themselves, who they are for. That meant he didn’t tick the Leaving Cert on his course, which to social work students in UCC, do. That fits in very well with the independent, both in his studies really were invested in them. themselves.” necessary boxes for extra help in caters for a wide range of abilities. I said, people like us, especially whole adult education ethos and the and in making his own way from “It was an amazing experience As Kevin says: “Today, I have school, although he successfully Everyone starts at their own level people with disabilities, need to get idea of looking at how can we do Bishopstown to UCC every morn- and it's two years he really, really my UCC graduation scroll and completed his second-level educa- and develops from there. into employment. teaching and learning in a way that ing, something he couldn’t have enjoyed. He just blossomed during picture just like thousands of other tion and joined his peers at UCC. “As a parent, you always want “Now, my goal is trying to get into makes it more accessible to groups imagined before. the two years. It was great for students. I feel really proud to be a “Any time his school friends to protect them. You always want a job, hopefully get independent, that wouldn't maybe fit with the “I went from a child in school to a us to see, and I would definitely college graduate and an example to would see him around the UCC to have control. During that time, get my own car. They’re the goals traditional ways we've done it. more independent adult during my encourage other people to do it. my younger siblings.” campus, he felt just like them,” we had no control over them. This that help people with disabilities “Many of the students would have two years in the CCL,” he wrote. Everybody who went on it went on Kevin Walsh and his parents on his graduation day in UCC. Just like any big brother. Just like says Eileen. was the first time we handed them like myself. spent quite a bit of time availing of “I became much less dependent on it for a different reason but every- any UCC student. my mother. Once she knew I would “We had very much cocooned over and they were taught to be “People I graduated from the opportunities in a particular service him until then but the CCL course body got something out of it.” course with now have jobs of their 10 Adult Continuing Education at UCC, 2020 Edition Adult Continuing Education at UCC, 2020 Edition 11

much money to a place you've it and have done to about four of mind to be a little more hopeful and on the course has been really great never seen but I had no regrets. my friends. It opens up a new world a little less judgmental.” in getting me closer to objectivity. Autism Studies: the full spectrum of “With UCC Autism Studies, it's a to autism and it’s a benefit to every Inside out “I want to join the movement trusted source, it's backed up with a single person involved in your in changing the dialogue around lot of research, there's a discussion autism journey.” Sharon’s plan is to move into autism, what autism is, who autistic platform that I can turn to and Another perspective represented teaching while Laura is looking people are, in order to make society online learning experience towards advocacy, bringing discuss anything with my fellow in the class is that of a parent and more flexible, so that autistic people students, and it’s really diverse and professional. Sharon McDonagh, together the different groups of can find society more comfortable. aura Murray had dropped out or not to officially study what she dren, Laura says it would’ve been what she sees as a fractured neu- of three different colleges was already studying. Her negative easy to hide in that role. But she felt broad. It touches on topics I never from Ballincollig and now living in At the moment, autistic people are L even thought were applicable to Dublin, has both. rodiversity movement with their changing themselves in every way before she took on UCC’s Autism experiences of education, however, a huge unfulfilled need to have a varied experiences of autism – from Studies diploma. left her unsure. career, to have an academic passion autism. Her son was diagnosed with in order to suit society. “It's things you don't hear because, Asperger’s when he was eight and those with late diagnoses to parents “There’s this whole focus in All along, her high IQ had masked She emailed programme coordi- to pursue. When her kids are ready speaking for their children. the undiagnosed autism, ADHD, nator Eileen McBride a year before for her to go back to work, she in Namibia, autism is a taboo topic. Sharon has since found herself society on how autistic people and dyslexia that were holding her she signed up, about her diagnosis, wanted to be ready too. It's not known to most people and are crap at communication but our larger autism communities are no, reciprocal communication is a back. She would spend 12 hours in about her difficulties in life with Saving grace “It's helped a lot for us to build up not the library, day after day, reading learning. “I was saying I don't want in poorer communities. They're 50-50 experience. You can't keep and rereading the same fourth to fail another course, I don't want Since taking on the course last kind of hidden away.” just the knowledge of autism in Namibia lumping it on autistic people who paragraph until she began to make to drop out, because I just don't year, Laura was asked about her A new world are really struggling to change how headway. think I've got it in me anymore. favourite hobby. ‘Taekwondo’ Working at the only school for but awareness as well.” they communicate in order to be She would be well able to pass, My resilience by that stage was would be her default answer. kids with autism in Namibia, understood. her compensation methods finding wearing thin.” Instead, without thinking, she Dévon has gone from feeling lost to moving from HR and admin to “That's where I feel it's stuck,” “I always describe it as turning ways around the problem, but each Eileen explained the course had blurted out ‘learning’. And today, learning new topics to explore with working as an SNA. says Laura. “It's people communi- your brain inside out, just so you assignment ended in disappoint- been designed around people with she can enjoy it without those her students. The practicality of the She read everything she could cating about autism using two com- can speak the language of the ment, failing to reflect the multiples lived experiences of autism. It’s 12-hour library marathons. lectures having a direct impact on on the subject but, like Laura and pletely different languages. It's like people, and that gets really tiring of time and effort she was expend- continuous assessment, flexible for “I definitely have a sense of children living 9,000km away. Dévon, found herself questioning shouting two foreign languages at after a while. That's how you end ing compared to her classmates. all learning differences, and people achievement when I get my essay in “The information has not just the credibility of some of the infor- each other and neither one hearing up with your ability to process Each time, she had to drop out, can watch the lectures or read the but also when I get my results back. broadened my knowledge, it's mation and interventions online. what the other one is saying. your sensory experience becoming burned out by the strain, not material when it suits them. I haven't felt at all disappointed. broadened the knowledge of the “When you're a parent, you'll do “I'm gaining experience in switch- strained, your ability to process understanding her sensory issues “I didn't know it was not normal. Now, I'm actually getting really people I work with on the spectrum anything to gain some support and ing off my own personal experience language becoming strained, and if on campus, and isolated without I didn't know things could be good results on normal day-to-day as well, from kids to teenagers resources,” says Sharon. “You will of autism in order to hear other you're doing that your whole life, the supports she needed to help her improved,” says Laura of her prior effort. I love that I can fit it into my to adults. And because we have go on the internet and you will people’s experiences, which is a then you don't develop a sense of along the way. experiences of college. life. no information about autism in pay the money, if you can afford very important ability in advocacy self at all. Suffering a non-epileptic seizure “I would have been completely “The format of the course is ideal, Namibia, unless we go on a website it, to help your child. But all these because my experience of autism is “If you let autistic people design the while driving her kids around wiped out when you combine all and having access to the UCC Dis- or contact someone overseas, we've people who say they have all this not the same as everyone else's. So world, you'd all have less anxiety.” Dublin four years ago finally of the undiagnosed issues I had. ability Service kind of overwhelms used the school as the main point of information or all this experience, I find the format and the diversity allowed her the appropriate medi- I would drop out not because I me emotionally, having something information for Namibia. it may not necessarily be true or cal attention to diagnose her autism couldn't succeed but because I I needed my whole life. “For any autism questions, I backed up by scientific evidence.” UCC Autism Studies Diploma students Dévon Course Spotlight and ADHD, with an educational would just get complete burnout. “I haven't needed to contact them would go back to my notes and I She finds herself now buying psychologist later recognising her I'd have gone into what felt like as time has gone on but having the Badenhorst (above) and Laura Murray (right) can always refer them to some books recommended by her class- reading. dyslexia. depression for a few months but I Disability Service and the tutors mates on the discussion board on Diploma in Autism Studies Laura’s response to her diagnosis now know it was autistic burnout. has been a saving grace.” “It's helped a lot for us to build up top of her course reading. “I didn't Laura’s goal is to accumulate a not just the knowledge of autism Venue: UCC, Limerick, Kilkenny, Online was to study everything to do with “It was one of the most frustrating have a prior degree but it’s encour- Duration: 2 years autism. Every book she read, every things of my life because I'm a very well-rounded understanding of in Namibia but awareness as well, aged me to do further training.” because I feel we are 50 years Delivery: One evening per week plus occasional Saturdays TV show she watched, had to have academic person. I'd actually be the full spectrum of autistic expe- versation, despite their distance. Dévon didn’t know what she universities, and without the funds She adds: “It gives you hope for behind Ireland at this point. an autistic character. quite intellectual but when I went riences, from those living with it, It also allows for an international wanted to do after finishing school to study there even if there was, the future and not to underestimate “I'm actually quite sad because Aim: This course explores how people on the autistic Autism was her obsession and to uni, I was confronted with the parents, and those working in the dimension to be explored. until she started working with a boy she turned to her only remaining a child that hasn't functional com- the course is almost finished. Time getting a qualification meant a lot opposite of what I knew I was on support sector, like SNAs, teachers, Dévon Badenhorst is using the with autism. After a while, though, option. She typed ‘online studies munication. It's very important spectrum experience the world and spans from the history flies when you’re having fun and to her so when the online course the inside.” and carers. The online learning course in part to spread awareness she felt she’d hit a wall in how autism’ into Google. UCC was the because you don't know how of autism to the various strengths, challenges, theories and I was really having fun with the in Autism Studies came upon her Having made the choice to be a discussion board facilitates that by of autism, which is a taboo subject much she could help him. With first result. much they understand. You can be conceptualisations. course. I would highly recommend radar, it was a decision whether stay-at-home mother for her chil- bringing the class together in con- in her home country of Namibia. no specialised option in Namibian “It was quite daunting to pay so surprised which is what opens your

assignments was a challenge Skellig CRI manager, says the a time restriction in terms of how Social farmers harnessing the power of community For the past three years between the farm and family life, course was designed with exactly long they keep coming out to the Kerry farmers Breeda & with her husband, mother, and that in mind. Support workers farm. Some of them have been Patrick O’Sullivan have three kids at home, she managed can take the course to upskill to a coming out for years to the same and credits the tutors with making Level 6 qualification to enhance farm and that building of rela- A social farming project in Kerry has harnessed the best of rural Ireland in been participating in everyone feel comfortable and their employment prospects, while tionships and confidence has been a community service that supports inclusion opportunities for those living social farming encouraged all the way. it gives farmers a qualification rec- phenomenal. Picture: Valerie O’Sullivan Topics ranged from studies into ognised by other employers which “It has a massive positive impact with intellectual disabilities and acquired brain injuries. disability, the environment, and can provide them with further for the farmers and their families communication methods. Patricia opportunities. as well. We know that farming can also mentions the benefits of ani- “In our very first roll-out, we be very isolating but some of them nitiated by South Kerry Devel- All involved have experienced that’s reaped increasing rewards as them. “You’re introducing numer- mal-assisted interventions, wilder- had students who are farmers and also have young families and for Iopment Partnership in 2013, the benefits, with many of the time goes by. acy there but we didn’t know any ness therapy, and ecotherapy, the somebody from the service-pro- them, there’s no stigma about that the programme sees participants farmers returning to education “He loves coming out here. He’s of this until we started doing the type of stuff they’d always worked viders. That brought a lot of inter- person having a disability. They’re attend the farms once a week to last year after requesting more well able, a lovely man, and he’d course. They have labels for all the on but never defined. esting discussion in the classroom just part of their family, the kids contribute to the day-to-day oper- formal training to further develop do anything for us. He gets stuck things we had done.” She’s chatting a year to the day because you’re seeing it from both look forward to seeing them, and ations, be it tending to livestock, upon their practical experiences. in. He’s always mad to tell us Patricia was glad the college after the course began and on her sides. they’re all so inclusive. They’re growing and delivering vegetables, 13 enrolled in that first course, the news, very chatty, and great to take experience came that way, driven scheduled graduation day, until the “They found doing the course just like everybody else. attending the mart, or a whole host one-year Certificate in Practice a joke, very honest. You can see by the farmers’ request to expand onset of the coronavirus postponed invaluable because they gained a “It brings the participants out of of other possible activities. More Support in Social Farming, oper- he’s blossomed in his confidence and reinforce their pre-existing that celebration for another day. lot of new skills and knowledge. If themselves and makes them feel than 30 participants are currently ated between UCC ACE and the since he came here on the farm. knowledge. “We did the practical “I can’t wait for it,” she says. “I you train to be a support worker, just as good as anybody else that availing of the programme on 20 University’s outreach campus in “We’re just glad to give him a first and now we’ve finished the always wanted to go to college you don’t get all the knowledge in they also have ability, not disabil- farms. In 2020 the course delivery Kerry, Skellig CRI. All 13 passed chance he’d never otherwise get. theory. It was better this way, for but I never got the opportunity so the same way around coaching and ity. That’s the focus, bringing the has expanded and is being offered with flying colours. He’d be stuck in a concrete jungle me anyway. If I was learning it in I can’t wait to get up and get my mentoring, around the environ- best out of them and giving them to students in Cork and Limerick. Birds, leaves, and natural otherwise so he looks forward to theory, there’d be a lot of things piece of paper, and dress in the ment, because you’re not in that the most opportunities to be able, The voluntary nature of the I wouldn’t be able to connect silence coming out here. ing, horses clip-clopping, busses of inner peace when he comes out Activities on the farm have gowns.” setting.” not disabled. That goes back to programme has seen bonds forged “Do you know what he said to coming, going, tourists chatting. here. included measuring and cutting without the practical, so it made it The course isn’t pigeonholed for My dream come true their families and back to their between participants, farmers, Patricia Kelleher was one such Anthony one day? It’s so peaceful But there was nothing out here only “I like teaching him about the steel for calf pens, improving easier for me to learn it. student. farmers either, as she recommends communities too.” and families that have turned into out here. He goes for a lot of walks the birds in the trees, the rustling of farm because I’d be telling no-one electric fencing, piking silage, “I loved every minute of it and it to people interested in environ- The impact for the students and It’s perhaps best encapsulated by long-standing friendships. Some She’s had a participant attending in the National Park in Killarney the leaves, and natural silence. about the farm otherwise. I love to cleaning sheds, working in the I’ll never regret doing it. I’d love participants has touched all aspects her and her husband Anthony’s mental science, biodiversity, and to the words of another participant: participants have even gone on and Muckross and I didn’t realise “He picks up on things we take pass on knowledge of farming and recently-installed polytunnel, dos- to do more so we’ll see what the carers too. of their lives. “Social farming is my dream, my holidays with their host families farm, near Killarney, for the past there’s always noise out there. for granted. We get a lot out of it cattle. It’s what I like and I’ve been ing cattle, and weighing calves to future brings.” “Because this is a voluntary seven years. It’s a relationship Belinda Gascoigne, programme dream come true every Wednesday. over the years. You’ve kids laughing, people talk- but what he gets is an abundance around them all my life.” determine how much feed to give While dedicating time to the co-ordinator at UCC ACE and model, the participants are not on I couldn’t ask for anything better.” 12 Adult Continuing Education at UCC, 2020 Edition Adult Continuing Education at UCC, 2020 Edition 13

Want to Find out More? Facebook: @ace.ucc Twitter: @ACEUCC Instagram: @ace.ucc ACE at UCC courses on offer for 2020/2021 academic year Get in touch! Email: [email protected] Phone: +353 (0)21 490 4700 Web: https://www.ucc.ie/en/ace/courses

Venue: UCC learning and development profession. workings of the criminal mind dialogue in the community a co-creative understanding Level 6 Programmes Level 7 Programmes Duration: 2 years Diploma in Local and Regional and examines what motivates of human relationships but Certificate in Arts (History) Certificate in Safety, Health Delivery: One evening per week Studies individuals to commit crimes of Diploma in Women’s Studies participants are supported and Venue: UCC and Welfare at Work plus occasional Saturdays. Venue: UCC a deviant nature, as well as how Venue: UCC encouraged to come to their own Duration: 1 year Venue: UCC Aim: The course is designed to Duration: 2 years investigators collect psychological Duration: 2 Years conclusions of what makes sense Delivery: One evening per week Duration: 1 year give you a broad knowledge and Delivery: One evening per week clues Delivery: One evening per week to them. Participants are also Delivery: One evening per week experience of the key concepts of plus occasional Saturdays (Begins plus occasional Saturdays trained to evaluate what happens Certificate in Arts (History of Aim: This course aims to equip environmental science, sustainable Feb 2021) Diploma in Social Enterprises Aim: This course focuses on the within and between people in Art) students with the knowledge, development, social policy and Aim: The course will develop and Community Development changed and changing roles of different family, school and work Practice settings and to devise appropriate Venue: UCC skills and attitudes required to economics that shape the world we skills for those interested in local women, delving into areas of and regional studies, integrating Location: TBC mentoring and/or educational Duration: 1 year be competent in the practice of live in knowledge relevant to women’s approaches used by historians, Duration: 2 years interventions where conflicts exist. Delivery: One evening per week health and safety in the workplace, lives today regardless of the sector Diploma in European Art folklorists, Celtic scholars and Delivery: One evening per week History geographers. It is aimed at those plus occasional Saturdays Diploma in Leadership in the Level 9 Programmes Certificate in Arts interested in local history and (Psychology) Certificate in Operator Venue: UCC Aim: This course introduces Community heritage, members of historical you to the theoretical and Postgraduate Certificate/ Venue: UCC Development (Pharma Manu- Duration: 2 Years Bespoke programme for closed facturing) Delivery: One evening per week societies, and those working, or practical elements of community groups only, not available for open Diploma in (Bio)Pharma Duration: 1 year Processing Venue: UCC plus occasional field trips intending to work, in the heritage development and social enterprise. recruitment. Contact [email protected] Delivery: One evening per week sector. Location: UCC Duration: 1 year Aim: The course surveys European Emphasis is placed on developing for more details art history from the fifth century ways to successfully integrating a Duration: 2 Years Duration: 1 year Aim: These courses will Delivery: One evening per week BCE to contemporary practice. Diploma in Management range of business skills suited to Delivery: Delivered as per needs Delivery: Two Fridays per month provide students with a general plus occasional Saturdays. It introduces you to the work of Practice people-centred social enterprise. of cohort per month (Oct. to April) plus 2 introduction to the discipline of Aim: Tailored specifically for those artists, sculptors, and architects Venue: UCC workshops on 2 consecutive days psychology, history or history of currently in or seeking operator in the disciplinary canon and Duration: 2 Years Diploma in Speciality Food in Sept. & May. art. roles in a pharma manufacturing Level 8 Programmes environment, the programme aims examines their work within the Delivery: One evening per week Production Aim: This course is designed to broader social and cultural context plus occasional Saturdays Venue: UCC facilitate science or engineering Certificate in Languages to equip participants with the skills Certificate in Procurement of its production. Aim: The programme is designed Duration: 1 Year Management graduates who hold sufficient Venue: UCC demanded by pharma facilities in Ireland today. to introduce participants to Delivery: Two days per week Venue: UCC educational or professional Duration: 1 or 2 years Diploma in Food key management principles, every three weeks Duration: 1 Year experience to transition into or within Delivery: One evening per week Certificate in Interpersonal Manufacturing Management best practices and practical Aim: This course is the only one of Delivery: Every second Friday the BioPharma and PharmaChem Aim: This programme will broaden sector nationally. The programme Communication Venue: UCC ready-to-apply tools in order to its kind in Ireland and the UK. It is Aim: This unique course aims to participants’ horizons by allowing help students build their own has a key focus on upstream/ Venue: UCC, Portlaoise Duration: 11 months designed for those who are starting upskill procurement personnel them to engage with different managerial skill-set downstream processing; sterile Duration: 1 year Delivery: 10 two-day modules at or wish to further develop an in technical, managerial and languages and cultures including artisan or specialty food business working environment; practical Delivery: One evening a week plus various locations people skills - the ‘holy trinity’ of Chinese, French, German, Italian, Diploma in Process and and also for those involved in training; industrial standards and two residential weekends. Aim: The Diploma aims to provide procurement competence Portuguese, and Spanish. Chemical Engineering this sector including farmers, regulation; collection and analysis Aim: The course will focus on relevant management education Venue: UCC producers, retailers, culinary of data; validation; novel and both the personal and interpersonal to delegates across all areas of Higher Diploma in Coaching/ Certificate in Mental Health in Duration: 2 Years specialists, and those in support personalized therapies; formulation aspects of communication business with specific emphasis on Coaching Psychology the Community agencies. and delivery of biological drugs. within and across the particular food and beverage manufacturing Delivery: One evening per week Venue: UCC Venue:UCC, Dublin, Cavan, Clare social systems of which course and operations management. Aim: This course introduces Duration: 1 Year Duration : 1 Year Diploma in Substance Misuse Postgraduate Diploma in Irish participants are members. students to the fundamentals of Delivery: One evening per week Delivery: One evening per week and Addiction Studies Food Culture Diploma in Food Science and process and chemical engineering plus occasional Saturdays plus occasional Saturdays (Special Purpose Award) Venue: UCC Diploma in Autism Studies Technology including key principles and their Aim: The programme provides the Aim: This course explores how application Venue: UCC Duration: 2 Years Venue: UCC, Limerick, Kilkenny, Venue: UCC student with strong coaching skills individuals and communities can Duration: 2 Years Delivery: One evening per Online Duration: 2 Years and with an insight into self and enhance mental and emotional Diploma in Social and Delivery: One evening per week week plus occasional weekend Duration: 2 years Delivery: Weekend workshops the psychology of coaching well-being through best practice Psychological Health Studies plus occasional Saturdays workshops Delivery: One evening per week Aim: This course gives students in mental health promotion and Venue: UCC Aim: This course examines how Aim: This course will explore plus occasional Saturdays an understanding of food science, Higher Diploma in Facilitating suicide prevention. substance misuse and addiction the development of Irish Aim: This course explores how microbiology, food processing Duration: 2 Years Inclusion (Disability Studies) impacts on the health and well- Food Culture from the past to people on the autistic spectrum technology, nutrition and food Delivery: One evening per week Venue: UCC, Limerick Certificate in Contemporary being of individuals, families, contemporary times. It will experience the world and spans business plus occasional Saturdays Duration: 2 Years Living communities and the health, social examine Irish food heritage, from the history of autism to the Aim: This course introduces Delivery: Every third weekend Venue: UCC care and criminal justice resources the contemporary food system, various strengths, challenges, Diploma in Genealogy students to the key concepts and (Friday 6-10 and Saturday 9-5) Duration: 2 yeasr of the state food and the environment and theories and conceptualisations. Venue: UCC theoretical frameworks relevant Aim: The programme offers value Delivery: Two days per week sustainability Duration: 2 Years to personal, social and health to those who are already working Aim: This course enables students Diploma in Development & Delivery: One evening per week education. Diploma in Supply Chain in the area of disability, enhancing Postgraduate Diploma in with intellectual disabilities Global Human Rights plus occasional Saturdays Management their knowledge, reflexivity and Mindfulness Based Practice to develop skills to support Venue: UCC Aim: The course offers participants Diploma in Social Studies Venue: UCC practice and Research increased self-determination and Duration: 2 years the opportunity to engage in an Venue: UCC Duration: 2 Years to maximise their capacities for Venue: UCC Delivery: One evening per week interdisciplinary study of the past Duration: 2 Years Delivery: 6 x 2.5-day workshops Higher Diploma in Safety, participation in, and contribution Duration: 2 Years plus occasional Saturdays while developing genealogical Delivery: One evening per week plus - per year Health and Welfare at Work to, their own communities and the Delivery: One evening per Aim: This course aims to research skills designed to equip plus occasional Saturdays Aim: This course will provide Venue: UCC both the individual and societal important opportunity to engage student to teach mindfulness wider society. personnel across a range of week plus occasional weekend provide a critical and theoretical learners with transferable skills Aim: This interdisciplinary Duration: 2 Years implications of trauma and draws part-time in a professionally in a workplace or educational organisational functions with workshops on examples and experiences from accredited, post qualifying setting in year one while in year understanding of the issues, aimed at genealogy, heritage and programme gives students the Delivery: Two evenings per week Certificate in Practice Support a holistic understanding of the Aim: The programme includes an individuals who survived, and program in Practice Teaching and two the student learns to teach processes and institutions central tourism employment. opportunity to study sociology, Aim: The course provides in Social Farming dynamics of supply chains in eight-week Mindfulness Based societies emerging from, violent Professional Supervision. It is a Mindfulness Based Stress to global poverty, inequality and social policy, social psychology, professional training in the Venue: Kerry, Limerick, Cork order to enhance their ability to Stress Reduction programme political conflict designed to equip participants with Reduction programme development Diploma in Learning and social philosophy and economics management of safety, health Duration: 1 year continually improve supply chain and provides the student with the necessary knowledge and skills MSc in Personal and Development Practice in order to develop a critical and welfare at work in order to performance the platform to develop a strong MA in Advanced Fieldwork to become competent Supervisors Management Coaching Delivery: One evening per week Diploma in Disability Studies Venue: UCC, Dublin awareness of the key issues help students to ensure the safety, personal mindfulness practice Practice and Supervision and Practice Teachers. Venue: UCC, Dublin Aim: This unique programme Venue: UCC, Limerick Duration: 2 Years that impact on everyday life in health and welfare of the Irish is the first of its kind in Ireland Duration: 2 years Delivery: 10 two-day modules at contemporary society Diploma in Youth and (Social Work) Duration: 2 Years workforce. Postgraduate Diploma in and has been designed for those Delivery: One evening per week various locations Community Work Location: UCC MSc in Mindfulness Based Delivery: One evening per Venue: UCC, Limerick Trauma Studies Duration: 2 years Wellbeing involved specifically in the Social Aim: This course explores how Aim: This course, offered in Diploma in the Psychology of Higher Diploma in week plus occasional weekend Duration: 2 Years Venue: Online Delivery: Two Fridays per month Venue: UCC Farming initiative, both the host disability is understood in our partnership with the Irish Institute of Criminal Behaviour Relationship Mentoring workshops farmers and the service providers Location: UCC Delivery: One evening per week Duration: 2 Years per month (Oct. to April) plus 2 Duration: 2 Years Aim:The programme provides the society by examining new research Training and Development (IITD), Venue: UCC, Portlaoise working with people with a Duration: 2 years plus occasional Saturdays Delivery: One evening per workshops on 2 consecutive days Delivery: One evening per student with strong coaching skills and different educational models. aims to provide a structured and Duration: 2 Years disability Delivery: One weekend per month Aim: This course explores week plus occasional weekend in Sept. & May. week plus occasional weekend and an in-depth insight of how to authentic learning opportunity for Delivery: One evening per week (Oct. to Sept). approaches to working with groups workshops Aim: This course provides workshops integrate coaching into life and Diploma in Environmental those wishing to acquire an academic plus occasional Saturdays and practical knowledge of the Aim: This course explores the in a variety of settings to facilitate Aim: This course focuses on social work practitioners with an Aim: This programme trains the organisational settings Science & Social Policy Aim: The course is based on 14 Adult Continuing Education at UCC, 2020 Edition Adult Continuing Education at UCC, 2020 Edition 15

It was, however, predated by comradeship which will not end a partnership with Crawford today”. Before the year’s end, Technical Institute to establish a the course had been extended to The man whose vision led to the Diploma in Chemical Technology centres in Limerick and Waterford. at Crawford in 1943, the first year “Two of them were fathers of of O’Rahilly’s presidency. It was people who worked with me as foundation of UCC ACE a modest beginning, focused as it lecturers in CIT,” says Brendan, was on a small base of scientific “and, as it happened, were trade hose who pass through the other aspects of the independence institutions. industry, but a milestone to O’Ra- union officials with the Transport Tdoors of UCC ACE follow movement, writing policy docu- “His courses were very much hilly’s eventual destination. Union. You also had Seán Casey, a tradition of lifelong-learning ments and election literature for aimed at areas like sociology, eco- At the time, the numbers com- who was later a Labour TD and the courses first instituted back in 1946. Sinn Féin, and being elected to nomics, and business-organisation pleting their Leaving Cert were Lord Mayor who welcomed John These days, anyone taking up one Cork City Council in 1920. In Lord that would equip people to be good small and those progressing to F Kennedy to Cork.” of the many courses on offer will Mayor Tomás MacCurtain’s last trade unionists in a social-demo- university smaller again. UCC may Casey was one of three students likely find themselves going to a public act two months later, he pro- cratic fashion. That was his driving have grown to accommodate over to receive first-class honours, lecture or grabbing a coffee in the posed O’Rahilly for the position of force behind it. 20,000 students but it employs alongside Eamon Wall and Domin- Below: Guest speaker Professor O’Rahilly Building, between the UCC Registrar before being killed “He did speak at the opposition he more staff now (over 2,500) than it ick Murphy, who was appointed Aine Hyland, speaking at Boole Library and Honan Chapel, at home by British forces later that was getting within UCC. He said had students until the 1960s. Irish Secretary designate of the the Bertram Windle award presentation ceremony in UCC. and it’s thanks to the vision of day. when he started those economic The first Diploma in Social and Railway Clerks’ Association three the man that building is dedicated O’Rahilly’s political writings saw conferences back in 1917, there Economic Science was oversub- months later. to that UCC took on the pioneer- him arrested in the UCC chaplain’s were other staff members who scribed, with 34 students, repre- “This was long before free ing endeavour of courses for house at 4am one morning in 1921 complained to him they didn't senting eight trade unions and 20 education and it was the means by adult-learners all those years ago. and interned for a total of six want a couple of hundred tramps firms, accepted for classes on five which you had a lot of educational UCC, like all universities, was months on Spike and Bere Islands. around the college. In other words, subjects: economics, accounting, development in UCC that didn't not always so open to the wider Upon his release, he acted as an working-class people were not business and secretarial practice, happen in other universities. population beyond the front gates adviser to Michael Collins during welcome, and that was the kind of sociology, and modern social “It became the basis on which but in that sense, Alfred O’Rahilly the treaty negotiations and was phraseology that was used. organisation. There were also adult continuing education devel- was a man ahead of his time. elected a Cumann na nGaedheal “He was immensely popular but seminars on public speaking and oped right around Munster and was First hired as a maths lecturer in TD for Cork in 1923. at the same time, made an awful the conduct of meetings. a major educational breakthrough 1914, the war that coincided with It’s no wonder O’Rahilly was an lot of enemies. There was the story Economics and sociology were into the 1950s and ‘60s, educating taught in UCC each Wednesday people that hadn't benefitted from his appointment hastened his rapid emotional observer when the graves that if he was ever found dead in Above: Dick Langford is presented with the Bertram Windle award by promotion as UCC’s professor of from the adjoining Cork County bed with a dagger through his heart, afternoon, with the rest covered in the restricted numbers that were night classes at the Cork School of completing even second-level Professor John O'Halloran, Deputy President of UCC and Dr Seamus O mathematical physics was shot and Gaol were handed over to UCC in every staff member in UCC would Dick Langford honoured for Tuama, Director of ACE in UCC, at the presentation ceremony in UCC. killed on the battlefields of World 1946, as they held friends of his be a suspect. Commerce. The Cork Examiner education at that stage.” Also included are Professor Paul McSweeney, Vice President for Learn- War I. That same year, 1917, he executed by British firing squads “He was very blunt, very straight- summary of O’Rahilly’s opening The next innovation was a rural ing and Teaching in UCC and Lyndsey El Amoud Assistant Director of set-up the first of his economic during the War of Independence. forward, and very driven but at the address read: “The course being development course and by the lifelong contribution to ACE in UCC. All pictures on this page: David Keane. conferences, a forerunner to the The site, which now sits in front of same time, very highly respected. inaugurated now was the culmina- mid-1960s, 115 courses were on adult-education courses, aimed at UCC’s science building, contains a He usen't socialise with people in tion of an endeavour to bring the offer across a range of topics in the labour movement and attended monument erected during O’Rahil- UCC and would go to the Trades College in touch with the ordinary 58 different centres throughout adult education by workers involved in local trade ly’s presidency in 1948. Council functions rather than the people of the city.” Munster. unions. His life experiences and teachings college functions.” O’Rahilly added: “The idea that “There's a new dimension to ick Langford, the long-time leading significant developments one class is inferior to another and it in recent years in terms of the His background may have been shaped that presidency, which ran The ordinary people of the city DCEO of Cork City VEC, was in adult education, community mathematics but he was, in truth, from 1943 to 1954. must not get every advantage is out social engagement charter that the 2019 recipient of the Bertram education, and youth services a polymath, writing about topics “If you look at his social involve- O’Rahilly wished to influence of date. UCC have is a great breakthrough Windle Award in recognition of his across sites such as Cork College as varied as philosophy, theology, ment at that stage, he was very the labour movement towards “We are in a new era of democ- as well,” says Brendan. “That has outstanding contribution to adult of Commerce, Coláiste Stiofáin social justice, politics, history, and democratic in what he was doing, social democracy, rather than more racy, whether we like it or not. very significant effects in terms education. Naofa, and St John’s College. He literature. driven an awful lot by Christian extreme ideologies like Marxism, This is the first real attempt – the of ethos but it is building on an The award is named after UCC’s also oversaw the expansion of the It was a tumultuous time and his social justice, and it was out of and so the Diploma in Social and only attempt I know of – of a earlier ethos. fifth president, who pioneered Cork School of Music. first cousin was killed during the that the adult-education courses Economic Science was launched University opening its doors to “There was a long period where adult education in Ireland by initi- He drove an agenda that prior- Easter Rising but O’Rahilly was a developed,” says Brendan Goggin, on October 14, 1946. It marked the the workers and putting them on there was an ivory tower syndrome ating short courses and off-campus itised flexible learning through pacifist who believed in moral force who served as Registrar of CIT beginnings of UCC ACE and the the same level as the other College to what was happening but the extension lectures. back to education and vocational over physical violence. Despite from 1994 to 2008 and has lectured formalisation of adult continuing students. For that reason, it is an undercurrent of social engagement Dick was praised for his role in training schemes, as well as pro- that, he was centrally involved in on the history of Cork’s educational education courses in Irish univer- historic occasion. has come through much more transforming the learning environ- viding classes in Cork Prison and sities. “We expect Cork to give a lead strongly in recent years.” ment in Cork city and paving the through community partnerships. once more to the rest of the coun- The diversity of programmes and way for the evolution of Cork as He was centrally involved in the try.” the backgrounds of students have one of UNESCO’s inaugural 12 foundation of the Cork Lifelong In June 1948, the first 24 gradu- changed considerably over the Learning Cities. Learning Festival and established a ates were awarded their diplomas decades, but where Alfred O’Ra- A Waterford native, he studied and Cork City Learning Forum. in UCC’s Aula Maxima, with hilly first led, ACE has not only tutored at UCG, where President The award was presented last O’Rahilly hailing a “pleasant and followed but continued to pave the Michael D Higgins was among his November on the same night as profitable association” and “a way forward. students. the Alfred O’Rahilly Lecture was He was hired as a teacher at Birr delivered by emeritus professor Vocational School in 1963 and of education and former UCC within two years, he was made vice-president Áine Hyland, who principal – at only 24 years of age. also played a key role in setting out <- The first Diploma in Social and Economic Science class In 1970, he was appointed found- the vision for Cork as a Learning pictured in the UCC Quad at the end of their first year in May ing principal of Waterford RTC, City. Her address was entitled 1947. Alfred O'Rahilly is in the front-row (centre), with Prof. now WIT, and then become CEO ‘Bridging the Gap between Town John Busteed, UCC, and Paddy Parfrey, City of Cork VEC, to of Waterford City VEC. and Gown’. his right. To his left are Gus Weldon, Principal, and Austin From 1980 until his retirement in The Bertram Windle Award is Goggin, Deputy Principal, Cork School of Commerce. Directly 2005, Dick led the Cork City VEC, decided upon by the UCC ACE now rebranded as the county-wide director, former award winners, behind him is Fr. Jerome O’Leary. Cork ETB. and those who have given the He was an innovative CEO, Alfred O’Rahilly Lecture.

<- Alfred O'Rahilly after his first arrest in a photo Previous Bertram Windle Award recipients: from intelligence files 2016 – Professor Eamonn Ó Carragáin Clockwise from top left: Deirdre O'Byrne and of the Sixth Division of For his commitment to adult education in UCC over several decades Marian McCarthy, UCC; Willie McAuliffe, Cork the British Army. He was 2017 – GLLiC (Growing Lifelong Learning in Cork) Learning City, Siobhan O'Sullivan, UCC and noted as being Registrar To recognise their great achievement in bringing the 3rd UNESCO Brendan Goggin, former registrar in CIT; Dick Langford, seated left with his wife Nuala, and ; of UCC and, incorrectly, Conference on Learning Cities to Cork and for their advancement of lifelong learning. family members John, Deirdre and Ronan Wall Director of Sinn Féin and Joseph Langford. Jim Corr chatting with 2018 – Cork Adult Education Council propaganda. Peter Langford. For its commitment to promoting adult education in Cork since the early 1970s. 16 Adult Continuing Education at UCC, 2020 Edition Adult Continuing Education at UCC, 2020 Edition 17 ‘Education was just a battle in my head but I deserve to be here’ ‘Once they put their toe in the water, they won't be allowed to sink’ hristine Chasaide has seen it had moved on to running courses had. There are all sorts of possibil- be allowed to sink.” energy and commitment that keeps Call in her years co-ordinating in Social Studies at Limerick ities. You just have to dip your toe Those class bonds can give so me motivated and working.” Peter O’Shea wasn’t good. I got thrown out of in UCC, Substance Misuse and turers and everyone on my course. my past behind me and contribute ACE’s outreach programmes in College of Further Education, and in the water. much more in courses like Autism Christine also represents ACE primary school, and I got thrown Addiction Studies. I started off I was invited to give my opinion. I to society. Limerick and Tipperary. Youth and Community Work at “Be prepared to name it if you or Disability Studies, where stu- on an intergenerational choir who describes how he out of secondary school. The in the College of Commerce and got to know people from different Challenging my brain and People who didn’t think they South Hill House. Limerick has need a bit of support or help with dents come together from different sing and use sign language in Tip- consequences of my addiction it planted the seed. I’d nothing to walks of life. educating myself have helped me have the academic ability, people changed a lot since then and the something and you’ll get there. perspectives – people with lived perary town, where the Disability overcame 25 years of and my behaviours got worse. lose. Even the fact the lecturers weren’t think differently, cope differently, who didn’t think they’d be able to courses have evolved too, with It’s very rarely that somebody experience, parents, teachers, Studies course is currently running living on the fringes My choice of drugs got worse. I Although I considered myself on a pedestal. They would talk to and react differently to situations commit the time, people who think Autism Studies, Disability Studies, wouldn’t get to the end of a course. support workers – and share their in the MooreHaven Centre. “Tipp ended up going to prison and was in good recovery with adequate you, they’re human too; whereas that arise in my daily life. It they can’t up until they prove they and Youth and Community Work And if something happened, it’s thoughts in the classroom or over town has been pretty depressed of society to set a in nine different treatment centres. coping skills prior to starting the as a child, you were looking at the changed my perception of educa- can. She always sees it – if people currently available, while Mental possible to defer and come back a a coffee. lately and we’re trying to bring I ended up on heroin, being strung course, my experience of school teachers as dragons. I found the tion, and UCC too. I enjoyed the have a genuine interest, they’ll do Health in the Community has also year or two years later to complete “Even with Autism Studies, we’d programmes there to give people course for becoming out for a long period of time on as a young person was traumatic coping strategies I brought from course, I enjoyed learning, and I it and they’ll succeed in it. been offered. it. have people who have children at the incentive to study and maybe an addiction methadone, on crack, on tablets. to me; characterised by rigid fear, childhood, avoidance and the feel- enjoyed being accepted. Christine, an Orkney Islands-na- “Often, people say, I don’t know “People are sometimes worried, home, and maybe they have just start things up, rather than always I’d very low self-worth, living anxiety, and avoidance techniques ings of anxiety and fear, were no Ambition tive, has been overseeing ACE’s if I’d be able for it, but I’ve had how will I do assignments? Will I got a diagnosis or they’ve had a having to look out.” counsellor. outside of society, a real no-hoper. to block out the experience. I longer based in reality. work in the region since 1997, people who haven’t even done be able to do this? There’s a lot of diagnosis for a long time, but they It’s another case of reaching into You see people on the streets brought this experience of educa- I got massive growth out of I graduated last November, which running programmes from her their Junior Cert, and they come support. Notes are put up online, feel isolated. communities where the need is around the city centre, I was one tion to the gates of UCC with me the course because I had to push was very important to me because adopted home in Limerick city, and quite nervously into a classroom, tutors give lots of guidelines “When they come in, meet other greatest, as they did in areas like my dad died recently. There’s a as far and wide as Cashel, Nenagh, and at the end of the year or two around what’s needed, and students people, and over the coffee break South Hill and Moyross over the efore I became a student at of them for a long time. and as an adult, I was triggered myself. A very important part upon returning to it. for me was the self-esteem, self- long history with me and addic- Tipperary, Knocklong, Newcastle years, they’re sometimes the peo- support each other. These are often openly talk about things that have decades. And as they will continue BUCC, I came from a back- Never going back tion but he got to see me clean and West, Letterkenny, Wexford Town, ple getting the top marks. groups where people become very happened to somebody who under- to do for decades to come. ground of long-term unemploy- I got clean at 36. About a year for someone who got thrown out Charleville, and Ennis. “When they have the interest and much linked and friendly. stands, isn’t surprised, shocked, “When people came into the ment, homelessness, long-term before I stopped, I was burnt out. of primary and secondary school, The original programme in the they start to work with something, “There’ll be a lot of people or judgmental, other students who learning classroom, it didn’t matter heroin addiction, poverty, I was I couldn’t do it anymore. I felt “For someone who got thrown out of he saw me graduate college. He region was Credit Union Studies they sometimes find they have cheering them on once they put have similar experiences, that’s an where they came from. It was a long-term resident in various turned inside out by addiction. I primary and secondary school, he saw was very proud and it was a big but by the time Christine joined, it resources they didn’t realise they their toe in the water. They won’t outlet in itself.” established as a safe place. Other institutions, and, in general, living was very close to killing myself day for me as well. The picture is She highlights many graduates differences stayed outside. I think on the fringes of society. because I thought I would never me graduate college.” on display in my mam’s house. who have made impacts in their it was important to have places like I started using drugs at 11. I get clean. Now, I’m in the process of being communities. Two graduates that, where it didn’t matter which didn’t fit in anywhere, at school, Once I got into treatment and got pre-accredited as an addiction founded Community Crisis side of the city you came from. Course Spotlight Response Team Ireland, a suicide “The thing about looking at in wider society, so drugs were a through a detox at Arbour House, worth, and personal growth I got counsellor and I’m hoping to be solution for me. It was a way of Close to leaving intervention group based in West community positively and seeing I just felt like I’m never going out of completing the assignments, accredited soon. Once I achieve Limerick. Another works with that we can all contribute to it, me opting out and finding people back. This is the starting point. No I live on Washington Street, on attending the lectures, contribut- this objective, it’s my ambition to Diploma in Substance Higher Diploma in Diploma in Youth and who accepted me. the Ana Liffey Drug Project in whether you’re doing a science matter what happens, I’m never UCC’s doorstep, in social housing ing in class, and making friends. go back next year to do a general Misuse and Addiction Facilitating Inclusion Community Work I actually grew up close to and at the beginning of the course, Limerick. One opened a youth club degree, Social Science, Mental going back. I had lived outside society for counselling degree. Studies (Disability Studies) Venue: UCC, Limerick and runs a junior football team in Health in the Community, or Dis- UCC. I’d go there and use on I didn’t really have any ambition I turned my head so I didn’t have most of my life and although As long as you’re standing and the grounds. It was somewhere I to look at the building when I (Special Purpose Award) Venue: UCC, Limerick Duration: 2 Years Moyross. Another started the Lim- ability Studies, it’s looking at how to do anything. Even in recovery, in recovery I said I am part of you want to get clean, then you Venue: UCC Duration: 2 Years Delivery: One evening erick Autism Group. The examples to find positive ways to progress couldn’t relate to and never saw for the first year to 18 months, was passing. The books I brought can have it. You can get clean. As society again, I never really felt it. Duration: 2 Years Delivery: Every third weekend per week plus occasional go on. situations. That’s really important. myself attending. It never even I’d no ambition to get a job, do home from the library, I hid them I felt less than everyone else and life goes on, perspectives change Delivery: One evening per week Saturdays “For me, when I’m taking out leaf- “It’s a good way to stand at a little entered my head. I thought it was a course, anything. I just didn’t away so I didn’t have to look at I brought that feeling into UCC and that’s what happened with (Friday 6-10 and Saturday 9-5) lets and posters to organisations, distance and see what’s possible.” way above me to even go there, want to go back on drugs. them, blocked them out. with me. Through the process of me. What you think today won’t plus occasional Saturdays one of the great things is going into that those people were different, But perspectives change and my I didn’t think it was going to be completing the course and going be what you think tomorrow. What Aim: The programme offers Aim: This course explores an office and seeing faces who’ve better than me. It was a non-entity, thinking started to follow. I was enjoyable, I didn’t think I’d be on to get work in the sector, I can will help change your thinking is Aim: This course examines value to those who are already approaches to working with done your programme in the past. If you are interested in joining an alien, intimidating structure to clean but I wanted to change my able to do it, and I was very close honestly say I can hold my head education. It’s very doable. how substance misuse and working in the area of disability, groups in a variety of settings There are very few organisations if any of the Limerick programmes me. life as well, give myself a better to leaving at the start. up high and have conversations Education, for me, was just a bat- addiction impacts on the health enhancing their knowledge, to facilitate dialogue in the I go out to them now that I wouldn’t Christine can be contacted by I’d no ambition to go there quality of life, just contribute to But my experience of adult with people from different back- tle in my head but I deserve to be and well-being of individuals, reflexivity and practice community meet former students. email at [email protected] or by either. It was just someplace that society and push myself. education, of that course, was dif- grounds to me and have confi- here. There’s a lot of growth in that. families, communities and the “I’ve had the privilege of work- phone on 087-9461472. wasn’t relevant in life. Someone suggested the diploma ferent. I’ve been treated with real dence in doing it. I feel I can put health, social care and criminal ing with amazing people, both My first experience of school respect and acceptance by the lec- justice resources of the state lecturers and students. It’s their

prompt for my decision.” Q: What did you learn from the neglect, almost all factors were If daddy can go to lectures with with a don’t-talk-down-to-me-or-I- practical work and assignments? familiar. I felt like a dartboard being UCC, why can’t I? will-break-your-jaw attitude. This Q: What was your personal expe- penetrated by a whirlwind of darts, attitude always got me dragged up rience of the course? A: “Most of it was reflective writ- It can be life-changing and fami- it hurt. I overcame this by reading I am Human: to the principal’s office by the ear. ing. When you write something ly-altering. A: “It was interesting and engaging. more deeply… learning that all is A prisoner’s experience of UCC Mental Health course As one graduate wrote of the “This experience was a weekly down, it takes thought and reflec- The tutors who came in to deliver not bad if the right measures are course: “I have utterly transformed periodic for me, until eventually, I tion, so therefore you understand the classes were very down-to- taken, such as a healthy lifestyle and recovered my mind from the got expelled and then ended up in your thoughts and feelings on a UCC ACE’s outreach pro- than self-pity. The graduates murky waters it once resided with. earth, reasonable, and understand- and walking the path of recovery.” prison. Still here since, and will more… soul-touching level. In grammes are all about facilitating surveyed other prisoners on their I was blind, I could not see, but ing. As for the topics covered, there be for some time more. I suppose my reflection, I really had to take the needs of communities across mental health issues. One even now prison, education, recovery, was social science, biology, and you could say I was quite a Rubik’s out all my organs, place them on a Ireland. collected all the plants available and change has given me a set of psychology. Relating to those sub- Q: How do you intend to use this glasses to finally view the world Cube for teachers, they really strug- table, and like a detective, examine The Certificate in Mental Health in the prison, combining them jects within the context of mental experience going forward? in the Community is a prime with some music to create a ‘for- with focus and perspective. gled to put me into alignment.” them to every last inch of their health was easy. What the material A: “That’s an interesting question; example, running from places as est bathing’ setting for meditation. “My behaviour has been changed genetic makeup. And to be honest, discussed was not unfamiliar to me. one I have always wondered about. far apart as Knocknaheeny, on An oasis of tranquillity in a tumul- and shaped like a potter would I’m thankful for it, because I have Cork’s northside, and Letterkenny, tuous environment. shape their clay to produce art. I Q: Why did you decide to take on At times, it felt weirdly as though Like, bless me Father for I have a deeper understanding of myself Co Donegal, in response to the It’s an unfortunate fact that am, then, the created art of the sys- the Certificate in Mental Health some of the readings were designed sinned, I’m a convicted criminal. now, on and academic as well as a high rate of suicides in the region. many prisoners’ first positive tem, I am the proof that recovery in the Community? for my eyes; like the researchers So is it really possible to use it personal level.” As part of their mission to reach engagement with education comes does exist and that behaviour can were actually talking about my on a professional level, working change, and most importantly, I am A: “The course interested me out to disadvantaged commu- in a prison setting. Four in five experiences and hard times.” somewhere like the HSE maybe? nities, the programme has now prisoners (80%) do not complete human.” because I can relate to mental Possibly? Who knows? travelled inside the walls of Cork a Leaving Cert, more than half health experiences. It’s something Q: Tell me a little about the Q: Did the course bring up any Prison. (52%) leave school before Junior Here’s a written interview with that I have seen and felt from a young classes… challenges for you and how did “However, it’s knowledge I have 16 prisoners completed a Cert, and just over a quarter (26%) prisoner: age. Mental health haunted my you overcome them? gained and it’s knowledge that can 12-hour (Wellness Recovery never attended secondary school. family and close friends like an A: “The class was fun, enjoyable, never be taken away from me. It’s Action Programme) in the pris- This course helps to tackle the inescapable nightmare, myself and it instilled some sense of nor- A: “The revelation of the ACE knowledge that has changed my on’s Education Unit, with two common problems of self-harm, Q: What was your experience of included. It was a way of life, a mality for me. Very different from study was challenging to inhale; perspective and attitude towards progressing to complete the full suicide, and mental health issues education like prior to getting normality, something everyone in the chaotic screams, jingling keys, looking at the dangers of Adverse the importance of early childhood certificate. Their graduation had in prison, and the effects don’t involved with the Education my social circle was familiar with. and echoing walkie-talkies on the Childhood Experience and how it development and how if this is to be delayed due to coronavirus stop at the gates, either. With so Unit? restrictions but they, too, are due many children of offenders fol- Additionally, I’m also curious by prison landings. When the class can in turn cause such a biological tampered with in any way, it can was big enough to have group dis- earthquake. their day in ceremonial gowns, lowing the cycle into prison, this A: “My prior experience of UCC President Patrick O’Shea examining the art work created Therese Cooper of the Education nature and love to academically have disastrous effects. I mean, receiving their parchment from course ripples out to families and education was bad, very bad. I by prisoners prior to a graduation ceremony at Cork Prison. Unit in Cork Prison and UCC Lec- explore; now that my anger issues cussions, we talked about mental “What I mean is when my eyes coa- look at me, I’m a perfect example. the UCC President. exhibits to the next generation the was quite a handful for teachers, Also included from the left Cork Prison Governor, Pat Dawson; turer James Cronin. have been resolved that is. So the health policies, such as empower- lesced with the page that listed all I’m textbook.” The conversations in the classes positives education can provide. always acting out aggressively Séamus Ó Tuama, Director ACE; Edel Cunningham and -> Photo: Claire Keogh ment, recovery, and change.” the factors, such as abuse, trauma, were characterised by hope, rather academic opportunity was another 18 Adult Continuing Education at UCC, 2020 Edition Adult Continuing Education at UCC, 2020 Edition 19

facilitated in easing into college life. While they may have been Mini Mermaids with big hearts afraid of asking a question in front of the group at first, such worries have long since disappeared. The Mental Health in the Community course provides a “No-one made us feel stupid, unique safe space for those who study it. even if we said, ‘Oh, this is a stupid question…’, which a lot of us have said at times because ringing together, as it tends to Safe space Sarah set up Ireland’s first branch Bdo, those with personal expe- of the Mini Mermaid Running Course Spotlight we didn’t know whether it was or riences of mental health issues, “From the very start, it was kind Club, a programme combining not. They would immediately say, people with family members of unique. I don’t have a lot of physical activity and mindfulness ‘There’s no stupid question’, and who’ve died by suicide, and those experience in doing these courses to strengthen girls’ self-confidence, Certificate in Mental Health in they’d answer us even if it was the so, for me, it seemed like a safe the Community 50th time they were answering us. working in the sector, the bonds self-esteem, and self-compassion. Sinead Crowley endure beyond graduation day. space from the beginning. The mission isn’t to create run- Venue:UCC, Dublin, Cavan, Clare “Noreen and a lot of the tutors “It was a small group, which Duration : 1 Year (middle) receiving Many of the lecturers, too, have ners, rather a generation of young Delivery: One evening per week plus the West Cork were the same as us. They returned lived experience of mental health coming from Commerce, 10 years girls who enjoy exercise and the Volunteer of the to education and did our course ago, was a complete change. When occasional Saturdays difficulties and personal recovery, tangential benefits that flow into Aim: This course explores how Year Award at the before going on to do degrees to combining the academic and the you’re that bit older, you have a bit every aspect of their lives. individuals and communities can Cork Volunteer be the tutors they are today. more life experience behind you... practical in the classroom. “After losing my sister, I saw a lot enhance mental and emotional Awards2019. “Those tutors are inspiring peo- There was a lot of respect and a well-being through best practice in Sarah Fahy, an accountant from of things out there about interven- Picture: Mark ple’s next move. It mightn’t be to lot of openness to other people’s mental health promotion and suicide Farrell Galway, moved to Cork with her tion and when people are struggling the degree but they are inspiring husband a few years ago and found opinions. I found it great.” to talk to someone. That message prevention. A study of the history of mental people to do even more. herself looking for something dif- is so important and it’s incredibly “What I didn’t know going into ferent to study. health underlined, for Sarah, how needed but from my point of view, lacking primary and secondary college is I had experience. Most “I’d always wanted to continue I wanted to do something that was of the class would’ve had a wealth education can be on such a vital Sarah Fahy, Mini Mermaids learning and go into something preventative.” of knowledge coming in, but they else,” she says. “For personal rea- subject. Research has showed that girls’ Running Club at the Lough, ‘It was my own children going to just didn’t know it. College has sons, I chose this course because I “It taught me how to think criti- confidence peaks at age eight, Cork. Courtesy of Irish have family members who suffered cally. It wasn’t like accountancy, while girls also drop out of phys- Examiner Archive. Picture: Jim made us realise that and we can from mental health difficulties. where it’s correct or incorrect. I’d ical activity earlier, issues the Coughlan put names on things and put it “I lost my sister to suicide three never really engaged that side of programme addresses through the college that got me interested’ into theory. As well as educating years ago. That was the catalyst for my brain. concepts of Mini Mermaid, our us, it’s an enabler.” it. “The amount of knowledge I inner cheerleader, and Siren, our Sinead describes one class with “I was thinking about doing Psy- gained from it was incredible. I par- inner critic. hen Sinead Crowley West Cork Volunteer of the Liam Miller tribute match so she Denis Staunton on a number of chology but I thought that might ticularly liked the history of mental Sarah got the programme up and Wmade the decision to Year left Páirc Uí Chaoimh early to concepts, including one on ‘tran- health because that wasn’t taught “Yeah, absolutely. It was fairly I just don’t have anything.’ It was down to having more confidence, leave school after her Junior assuage her main fears, failing sition’, as “better than therapy”. be too much of a commitment, running last September with an Sinead had done a couple of to us in school. We don’t really phenomenal to be honest. I didn’t very easy for them to say what their valuing their uniqueness, loving Cert, going to work for her to find parking or getting lost on “I realised I’d a lot of stuff going especially moving to a new city. eight-week course for a group of 12 courses over the years, a few have that kind of health subject. think I’d see such a change. I didn’t friends were good at; they were all movement, and creating a support- father’s accountancy practice campus. on last year in my own life – peo- So I said, this looked manageable, girls from Gaelscoil an Teaghlaigh hours here, a one-day course it was only one night a week, and It’s biology and that’s it, so I really Naofa, Ballyphehane. go in with expectations of changing jumping in and saying how amaz- ive environment for each other. represented an immediate “Getting in the door was my ple sick, job-wise, and everything there, generally centred around it seemed to give me what I was enjoyed that. “We covered everything, from the way they think or anything. I ing they were. Following their dreams rather than escape route rather than a biggest fear but once we were in, else. That one little word just “Two years on, I can’t remember her life’s passion, volunteering in looking for. nutrition to how to be kind. The just wanted to bring a little aware- “One of the girls piped up and their fears. 35-year life plan. we were extremely lucky. They’re summed up a full year for me, that every single module but that’s her community in Clonakilty. “To learn more about mental voice that tells you you’re not good ness and if they fell in love with said, ‘that’s very strange, isn’t it? That confidence and supportive- One thing led to another, probably all fantastic up there in I didn’t know what was going on the beauty of those courses in the She was awarded the West Cork health, how it could be put into enough doesn’t go away from any running or any kind of movement, We’re really good at saying what ness chime with Sarah’s experience however, and as her parents UCC but our tutors have been one last year. It really put 2019 into ACE school; you live through the Volunteer of the Year award for practice in the community, and I of them but it’s about dampening that was a complete bonus. everyone else is good at but we in UCC, taking solace in the headed for retirement and her better than the other.” context for me in one word.” experience rather than amass the her work with the Irish Heart really wanted something I could, that down, while incorporating “On the second week, I chatted can’t say what we’re good at.’ knowledge her studies would feed kids grew towards college age, Other fears arose that night but Now that she’s navigated the knowledge and forget about it.” to them about what you’re good at. “That same girl, when we were into her voluntary work. Foundation but her volunteering hopefully, use afterwards. It movement because a lot of young Sinead was left considering they were all overcome once the choppy waters of that transition, Another legacy is the network of We were asking each other to say doing the 5k challenge around the “It gave me the confidence that I work reaches far and wide, from appealed to me because the focus girls today have just disengaged her own future. class realised how much they had she’s just been enjoying her time friends that remains: “We still have one thing you’re good at when your Lough on the eighth week, said to have learned about this, I’m a bit Clonakilty GAA club to the Mun- was on the practice.” completely from PE by the time “I was allowed leave if I went on campus in between her work Sarah had studied Commerce and the WhatsApp group chat going. they reach 10 or 11. It’s getting turn comes, and very few of them me, ‘you know what, I can say I’m more in tune with my own mental working for my father, which as a health and safety officer and French at NUIG a decade previ- Even amid all this craziness [with even younger.” could actually say it out loud. good at five or six things now and I health, and knowing I was just like the coronavirus], everyone’s still know I believe them.’” these girls when I was bringing it I agreed to. Anything to get her volunteering lifestyle. ously but in this course, she found Did she notice a change in the That’s very strange, isn’t it? out of school,” she says of her a totally different setting. looking out for each other.” girls? That “mini-transformation” comes into the community.” “I’ve never felt I don’t want to After completing the course, “They were saying, ‘no, I’m not. early experience of education. “It was the best thing for us go tonight. In two years, I’ve only “From there, I worked for missed one night and that was him for 35 years. That wasn’t because we all realised we were because of the weather and icy the plan but that’s the way it roads. As well as working with ACE on worked out. I had ambition but all there in the same boat.” “I can’t say enough good things those courses, Tony stands as an fear meant I hadn’t really con- about it to be perfectly honest Industry links developing leaders of the future example of how people are encour- sidered returning to education with you. Just the whole feeling aged to move between different in any fashion because I just of going to UCC, walking in the ndustry collaborations are acts as a frontline leadership courses. “We usually go to the site for departments, broadening their per- didn’t like school. ster GAA Health and Wellbeing in common. gate with our bag on our back, it programme across Pfizer’s manu- Ia core part of ACE’s work, “The advocates are the people expressions of interest from people spectives and bringing a diversity “My father even said it to me, committee, from Darkness Into “The first night of our course, just gives you a sense of yourself. bringing the benefits of lifelong facturing sites. who have gone through it. They're every 12 to 18 months. We had 14 of experiences to all areas of the ‘You’re good at accountancy, Light to the Irish Cancer Society. we all had to say this, that, and “In secondary school, I never learning to companies seeking to Many people who hold senior the best promoters of it,” says Tony slots for the last cohort and we were business. He graduated from UCC why don’t you do it?’, but not An aptitude test she took with the other thing about yourself, asked anyone for help. I just let help staff maximise their potential positions at Pfizer today have Daly, HR management operations oversubscribed by over two-to-one; the guidance counsellor showed basically introduce yourself. I graduated from those leadership with a PhD in Organic Chemistry a chance in hell. myself get lost and fall behind. and produce leaders of the future. support at Ringaskiddy. we'd 35 people interested. and joined Pfizer as a production “It was from my own children her strengths lay exactly there, just broke out in a sweat but then Tailored programmes are designed “That's proof of the fact that peo- But in college, the whole thing is chemist before switching to HR. going to college and going to in youth and community, and I realised that virtually everybody to match the training needs and ple see it as beneficial to their own just so supportive from the min- What ACE can Offer your Company More recently, he returned to UCC career guidance people with administration, from running her was in the horrors of this public ute you come in the door, to going delivered around the shift patterns career development.” for a Master’s in Personal and Man- dad’s office for so long. speaking. of companies, with lectures given The programmes are moulded to them for advice that got me into the classroom, to Norma, to The Enterprise Engagement team at ACE can meet with you to discuss agement Coaching. interested. “I had this knowledge but did “It was horrific but it was the the tutors, to the people in the on-site or at UCC. Pfizer’s needs, addressing current “You might come in as a chemist or your organisation’s current training needs and we can work with you in “To be honest, I started absolutely nothing about it, back best thing for us because we all class itself.” Pfizer has been a giant presence business challenges and enhancing an engineer or an operator or what- designing a fully bespoke programme to meet these needs. feeling a bit stupid because to my little hiding place again. realised we were all there in the In September, Sinead will be in Cork business since setting up skills that aid employees’ develop- ever but your journey around your at Ringaskiddy in 1969, and their ment: “The good thing about it is I realised I had no education “Then, less than two years ago, same boat. back at UCC for another course, career development would depend I got this text message from the “It really made it a level playing partnership with ACE goes back • Programmes can then be delivered in a timeframe suitable to the needs that because it's a cohort of leaders as such to speak of. I had my the Certificate Mental Health in on your ambition, your guile, your Junior Cert but that wasn’t careers guidance teacher about field for everybody because very 13 years to their collaboration on of your organisation and the programme can be scheduled to meet the from within the site, we aim to adapt competency, your interests, and the Community. a Higher Diploma in Leadership the case studies and the external currency for anything in this the Youth and Community course few had Leaving Certs or previ- business needs and shift patterns of your company. your passions. “I certainly haven’t regretted it Development. academic learnings to topics and day and age. in UCC. Without thinking, I just ous college experience.” at all, at any stage, even in the • Lectures can be delivered onsite within the organisation, on campus at “We have a strong career coaching signed up for it. Around 100 staff have progressed scenarios that are site-specific,” programme on the site to help peo- “The interest was there in Better than therapy height of sitting down and doing through that course from Rin- UCC or at any other suitable mutually agreeable location. “I had no idea what was involved adds Tony. ple maximise their own potential. youth and community, my par- With help from the likes of the assignments and the essays gaskiddy alone, while it’s also run about assignments or essays or • Our teaching team comprises a blend of UCC academic experts with Courses are done 50% on company That’s our philosophy: maximising ents were getting older, and, to course co-ordinator Norma and the whole lot. It’s amazing Tony Daly, HR management in Pfizer’s other locations in Ire- time and 50% on the employee’s anything like that, I just read what senior industry practitioners and management consultants – all of whom everybody's person to reach their full be honest, I was trying to get Browne, Denis Staunton, and what you’ll discover about your- operations support at Pfizer land: at Little Island, Newbridge, own time, while ACE staff also work them to retire, so I knew I was the course was about and I knew and Grange Castle, Dublin. bring their vast experience into the classroom. potential. Noreen Keane, known to all in the self and discover what’s going in Ringaskiddy. with Pfizer on more bespoke topics, “That’s our north star and our collab- going to have to face a change I loved it.” on in your own community. It’s a That relationship has developed such as team dynamics, emotional class as ‘our mammy’, they were For further details, please contact Lyndsey El Amoud, oration with ACE and other education at some stage.” Her first day coincided with the huge eye-opener.” the award-winning Certificate in intelligence, and team effectiveness. Operator Supervision too, which ACE Assistant Director, at [email protected] groups helps us achieve that.” 20 Adult Continuing Education at UCC, 2020 Edition Adult Continuing Education at UCC, 2020 Edition 21

medieval history, studying Irish the media and the courts and the is fantastic.” refusing to baptise their children. LGBT+ history courses are just direction, it's going to keep identity but also identities of other Churches represented LGBT+ peo- The subject matter at times “I would also have to say anybody that, a first step. Broadening out going in a positive direction. Short Courses at ACE marginalised or peripheral people, ple and their history, because those provoked anger and surprise in the who thinks Ireland or Catholicism its teaching is needed to confront You can already see in places Jewish people, African people, attitudes haven't gone away. students, just like Diarmuid felt at are particularly homophobic is the bullying young LGBT+ people like Brazil or the States, where ACE is one of the leading providers From shame to pride? Muslim people. “When I was asked about the ACE Dublin Castle. It arose when they delusional. I did a comparison with still endure, and to create a society there's been a rollback, let of short courses in an Irish university But history is read backwards and course, I wanted it to be something examined the murder of Declan homophobia in other countries and where anyone can feel safe coming alone in other countries which context. Our short courses: rather than start in medieval times, that wasn’t confined to the University Flynn and the shocking reactions, cultures which are not Catholic, or out. are very seriously homophobic. • Are delivered part-time over Ireland’s first LGBT+ history course Diarmuid had to start with the here but to do public outreach.” from the suspended sentences to the very secular, and many of the same “Until it gets into the schools LGBT+ people shouldn't take 6-10 weeks and now before moving back through It drew 19 students, from reportage. It arose, too, in covering ideas or themes or prejudices are and is tackled head-on, the issue their freedoms for granted. • Appeal to a broad range of the decades. LGBT+-support alliances to teach- Christian catechism’s repeated there and, in some countries, are of homophobia is not going to go “There's a lot of very positive interests, concerns, and needs iarmuid Scully lectures on Rather than being eaten alive ‘From Shame to Pride’ with a ques- There were challenges in compiling ers, from social workers to those references to LGBT+ people being actually worse, so I'm getting a sense away. The outreach we're doing goodwill out there. I've got a • Serve to strengthen your Dhistory but he was there, by rage, he vowed to transform it tion mark, because I don't think that history, being in parts hidden who simply had a passion for history, ‘intrinsically disordered’ or ‘objec- of the nuances as well.” is great but it needs to be much sense, now, of State support, knowledge in an area of back in May 2015, like all the into something positive and in that it's that simple or straightforward, and often recorded from a hostile from those in their early 20s to those tively wrong’. The course looked at the AIDS cri- greater. the fact that the libraries and existing interest or introduce others to witness it being made. moment, the idea for Ireland’s first though huge positive change has perspective. But personal archives in their mid-70s. Included among Both remain relevant today, with sis by comparing Ireland to the UK “I'd be very concerned that museums are all behind it, but you to a new area of learning At the courtyard of Dublin Castle, LGBT+ history module was born. taken place. and oral histories told the story from them was one of Ireland’s first open Ireland’s first Trans Pride Parade and USA, places to which many Irish there's a narrative of, effectively, we need more education. or facilitate your professional the Marriage Equality referendum In 2020, the first standalone course “I thought instead of just being the people’s point of view, exactly LGBT+ activists, Edmund Lynch, retracing the steps of the protest LGBT+ people would’ve emigrated. haven't you got what you wanted “What’s hugely encouraging development results came in as county after followed – ‘From Shame to Pride? angry or feeling things have been where Diarmuid wanted to focus his who travelled down from Dublin march against the lenient treatment of “Again, the level of homophobia so would you not go away and be is anybody I’ve talked to about • Offer you the opportunity to county turned green and rainbow A Short Introduction to LGBT+ ignored, this is the opportunity to attention. every week to attend. A primary Flynn’s killers, while the institutional they would’ve faced in apparently quiet? That's at the most negative it in the University, the students engage in lifelong learning flags were raised to trumpet the Irish History (1970s-2020)’. say, why don't you do something “The material I really wanted source sitting in the corner of the anti-LGBT+ attitudes of religion liberal societies is sobering, so I was end of it but there's an assumption and ACE, the level of not just without the burden of historic ‘Yes’ vote to legalise “It was great energy but I felt about it because there haven’t ever access to was LGBT+ people repre- classroom. remain problematic. trying to avoid any narrative where everything is okay now. At either academic interest, but real assessment same-sex marriage. angry because you could already been any university courses on Irish senting themselves because there's a “To have somebody in the class “It hasn't got much publicity in the this is a rant. It's an analysis. end of the spectrum, for much older commitment to equality is very • Are not only accessible but It was a day full of colour, of cel- sense a narrative happening that this LGBT+ history. I thought instead huge amount you could find in news- who has not just lived these experi- Republic but in Northern Ireland, “I think Irish people have a ten- people or for much younger people, impressive. It would give you they are also a very enjoyable ebration, of energy, but Diarmuid was all bad but now everything's of going around complaining, you papers or in anything to do with the ences, but had a formative impact on the main Christian domination, the dency to idealise Ireland or demonise I would have a very strong sense great hope for the future. There and sociable way to engage in had other emotions bubbling under perfect, and it's almost as if we're could actually do something posi- Christian Church's teaching, but until them, was a huge thing for me and Presbyterian Church, has become it or see it as somehow exceptional. I that it isn't okay. are a lot of very positive people learning the surface – anger and emptiness. not going to talk about the past. tive about it.” very recently, it's all from people or everybody in the class. much more actively anti-LGBT+ don't think it was or is.” “It's a question of seizing the out there, LGBT+ and straight, Applications will open in late May/ History had been made but history “I thought, no, we need to know. Hostile perspective perspectives that are either actively “For somebody you could turn to, in the last two years, refusing, for Seizing the moment moment. Among LGBT+ people, so in future generations, if early June. had been forgotten, whitewashed Number one, is everything perfect? hostile or mystified. especially since he worked in RTÉ, example, to admit LGBT+ people as there can be a delusion that because we've got people like that, E-mail [email protected] to join out of the prevailing narrative. That's why I called the ACE course Diarmuid’s background is in “I also wanted to look at how and say, what is your memory of this, full members of the community and For Diarmuid, Ireland’s first history has gone in a particular we're in good hands.” the mailing list.

Creating the next generation of Course Spotlight

Diploma in Traveller leaders Leadership in the Anne Burke went to her first that’s not been the experience of Community meeting with ACE ready for a our lives. Our life experience has Bespoke programme been Government agencies coming battle. for closed groups only, in and telling us what’s best for us, not available for open n her role with the Southern this’ll work for ye, this is what ye recruitment. Contact ITraveller Health Network need. And it’s not, it’s all failed. (STHN), she had been trying to “The fact we had 27 women with [email protected] for more establish a leadership course to very poor primary education was an details give the group of women she was indictment of the education system, Duration: 2 Years working with access to the type of not listening to Travellers, not Delivery: Delivered as of qualification, the type of asso- listening to the people who live it, per needs of cohort ciated confidence, they felt was who know what would work, who needed to put themselves forward know what won’t work. for jobs in their communities. “It’s been our experience that She had approached other agen- they’ve tried to fit us into what cies, who were unreceptive, some works for settled people, and that’s Professor Patrick O’ of whom wouldn’t give them the been the failure of the Govern- Shea, President of UCC time for a meeting. ment.” (centre) pictured with That’s been the lived experience Anne would’ve been delighted a group of traveller of Travellers for so long, being women on their first had ten women enrolled. Instead, day of the Cert in told what to do to fit in rather than 27 did, building upon years of having their differences accepted Leadership in the engagement with STHN, working Community. and accommodated. But in ACE, together to identify and address Picture: David Keane they found collaborators who issues. They had organised a con- were not only willing to work with ference on mental health and sui- them, but let them lead. cide to help rectify the emergency “It couldn’t have happened ment, and social analysis. were treated when you live through she’s had the strength and resilience of education system needed, one new Traveller leaders will be the services’ lack of understanding of “You must have a good under- a system, and I would say Travel- to do that. that builds on what already exists in best advertisement for a return without ACE. I went into the first Traveller culture. “They said they meeting ready for a fight and that standing of what’s wrong before lers survived through the education “Others internalise it and say, communities, rather than dismiss- to education, one that’s tailored knew more about Polish culture you can fix it. Our experience all system. Their experience was being well, the reason that happened ing those structures. One tooled to their needs. wasn’t what happened at all. ACE than they knew or understood about really wanted to make this work,” our lives is being told that we’re put at the back of the class with a was because there was something more towards problem-solving than “This will work on so many Traveller culture,” says Anne. what’s wrong. The systems are piece of paper and crayons, and wrong with us and we deserve to be retaining reams of information. different levels. If they never says Anne. Similar themes were explored in “They didn’t want to control it. there but we’re what’s wrong.” they have colouring while the other treated like this. But it’s the systems “I think they’re owed this oppor- did anything else after, this will a booklet on domestic violence children are doing the work. that need to change, not Travellers. tunity,” says Anne. “They’re owed help their children in education, They didn’t want to come in and developed by three generations of Colouring class say, this can’t happen, that can’t “We have women on the course “We’ve young women on the the supports to help them. Nothing this will help their children’s Traveller women. The education system Travellers who went through a segregated course with young children in will change if we can’t change edu- confidence, and their children’s happen. They said to us, tell us The idea for a leadership course, are used to is one that doesn’t what you want and we’ll try to education system in this country, school who see the value of educa- cation, if we can’t turn that around self-esteem. This will spread out like the conference, like the booklet, accommodate or even acknowl- who were treated really badly, who tion. Now, they have the confidence and make it work for us. to their sisters, to their mothers, make it happen. And they did. came from the women themselves. edge difference. One that doesn’t “They bent over backwards to were taken in in the morning and to go up to the school and challenge “Education is so important with to their sons, to all the family. It was designed to lessen the recognise a modified approach stripped and washed, and who in and say, why is my child on a all the other issues that go on in “The women themselves will accommodate us, to look at how barriers the women had to over- is needed. One that was imposed we’d make the course work for the the playground, there was a wall reduced timetable? Why is it alright our lives, issues of racism and go into the spaces where they’ll come, around childcare, around upon them. and they weren’t allowed to mix if my child doesn’t come to school discrimination, issues around be able to represent Travellers, women. They’ve been really great study, around travel, with people “It was a real eye-opener for the to work with and understanding with settled children. Settled chil- and nobody puts in a phone call? accommodation, health issues. where they’ll be able to lead. coming from as far as Tralee two women. When we looked at the dren weren’t even allowed to know “That’s the power in it. It’s about Education gets lost a bit in that. It’s Some women might decide that we are the ones who know mornings a week. Five had to pull whole inequalities in the system, how to do this. We, as Traveller they were there. empowerment. It’s about collective not prioritised in the hierarchy of they want to do something else out for personal reasons but of the we had very strong women break “That’s had a huge effect on a lot action. It’s about people coming needs. Education is that bit that’s after this diploma and do further women, know what Traveller 22 remaining, 17 want to go on and Picture: Noel Donnellon down and cry, realising the way of the women. We have a woman together to work on issues that missing for us.” education. women want, what will work for do a second year, leading to the they had been treated in the sys- Traveller women. there, an amazing woman, and her affect the group. These are issues STHN are working with another “Once you start something, development of a diploma course. tem, the way they hadn’t gained reaction to that was, I’m never that affect us all as Travellers.” group of women who they hope, in you don’t know. It will travel in It’s all failed The modules examined topics from the system, the way they’ve going to let my children be treated The course is all about construct- time, will arrive at a place where so many different directions and, “That’s not been our experience such as the history, practice, and been excluded and marginalised. like this. And she’s ensured that’s ing the supports where they’re they want to do a course like this. hopefully, all to the benefit of with other agencies and, in fact, principles of community develop- “It’s very hard to see how you never happened to her children and needed most. It discusses the type As it is, the current generation of the women.” 22 Adult Continuing Education at UCC, 2020 Edition Adult Continuing Education at UCC, 2020 Edition 23 Celebrating student success at the Adult Continuing Education conferring ceremony at UCC, November 2019 Photos by David Keane 24 Adult Continuing Education at UCC, 2020 Edition

Vincent Murphy (third left) after addressing the 2019 ACE conferring ceremony at Devere Hall. Picture: David Keane Light-bulb moment: How Vincent pedalled up his personal Everest

incent Murphy remem- Satisfied it was working, he Born the eldest of eight to he says, “and gave me the change over the decades. I found that inspiring and Vbers the first lecture he sat at the back of the room a family in the North Cork confidence to believe that “At that time, the option of the likes of Willie [Weir] gave in UCC, back in 2005. running through his notes village of Kiskeam, he grew there might be more left in changing careers didn't exist and Séamus [Ó Tuama] were An electrician by trade, he when a familiar face walked up sharing a bed with two of the brain-tank I previously and you'd no great expecta- always there to encourage set off an odyssey of seem- in. his younger brothers. School thought was empty.” tions. I was kind of resigned and drive me on. ingly random course choices “Of course, I recognised was largely irrelevant to him Next was a Diploma in to that. Your self-confidence “I suppose I was reassuring through the ‘80s and ‘90s him from another life – we and he left after the Inter Development Studies… is relatively low and you say to people doing the course to bring him to this point, had worked together. He Cert. “There was no money “Once you get a taste of it to yourself, I'm going to be from maybe a construction lecturing on the Higher says to me, ‘Jaysus, Murphy, or prospects or anything like at all and you realise some fixing sockets and lights now or an agri background, that Diploma of Safety, Health how are you getting on?’ and that so it was a case of get an of it is sinking in, you keep and that's my lot. their confidence wouldn't be and Welfare at Work. Still, we were talking away. Then, apprenticeship if you were going.” “But when I went to the up to it because the College he says, “I was planking he says, ‘Are you doing this lucky enough.” Then he took the big step Community School and did can be a daunting place. I myself”. stupid course as well?’ Vincent ended up with a of signing up for a law Development Studies, being suppose I'd allay their fears “I always remember “I'm saying to myself, I rare choice, being offered degree… “I was getting very able to find out how politics and I'd never apologise for coming out of that lecture, don't want to embarrass him apprenticeships as a fitter brave at that stage.” and local government work, coming from a trades back- a three-hour lecture, the first nor embarrass myself, so with Bord na Móna or an He passed his exams which was a totally alien ground. night, and I was shaking. My I said, ‘I'm actually giving electrician with CIÉ. He took through first and second year, concept, it was like getting a “You don't have to be an nerves were at me but I felt these few lectures.’ He the latter but he didn’t rest on earning his third diploma, hit from a banned substance. academic. 40% gets you over a great sense of achievement. turned to me and said, ‘You his laurels. before he received some I was just on a high like, God, the line. You don't necessar- From leaving school at 15 are in your f***, sure you're He couldn’t do a degree at advice from a friend. The it's brilliant to know this stuff ily have to have a first-class years of age, I didn't ever only an electrician!’ the time without a Leaving field of health and safety was and it became addictive. honour, even though a lot of think I'd achieve that. For “I said, ‘Yeah, you're right, Cert to his name but enrolled emerging and he advocated “It took commitment people were driven to that me, it was like climbing but so was Lech Wałęsa in an electrical engineering a change from law, saying, because we had two kids level.” Everest.” and he became president night course at CIT through “unless you marry into the and money was scarce. Most Others had hang-ups too. Those nerves took a cou- of Poland. And secondly, City and Guilds. Back then, profession in Cork, you guys were out doing nixers Once asked if he would ever ple of years to overcome, Tommy, I'll be marking your changing careers was a haven't a hope in hell.” or foxers but I read some go back to do the Leaving between teaching people papers as well!’” foreign concept but the aim Vincent switched to the philosopher said, in order Cert, Vincent replied: “I he considered very highly In November 2019, Vincent was to hopefully achieve Diploma of Safety, Health to get up the hill, you have don't need the Leaving Cert, educated and the prospect delivered the commencement long-term gain, not that and Welfare at Work and a to pedal. Some people just I've an honours master’s, of being “put back in your speech to an auditorium full it was without short-term few years later, the Master's freewheel down the boreens four diplomas, and a good box”. of new ACE graduates. “The sacrifices. in Occupational Health was or valleys. I peddled for few certs. If anything, it’s Only an electrician? thought of ever entering this He had got married in the established. He got a few a good many years just to a PhD I'd be doing at this hallowed hall either as a meantime and he remembers hours of lecturing before tak- educate myself really. Thank stage.” One night, early in Vin- student or lecturer was not many a Tuesday night on the ing up the course himself for God, it paid dividends in the He has other things in mind cent’s tenure, before his first even a pipe dream for me in Curraheen Road waiting for his fifth UCC qualification. end - that's for sure.” than a PhD and delivered his lecture with a new group, he school,” he said. a bus as it approached 10 Not to mention, Vincent set He overcame his own lecturing swansong last year, was in the classroom early. He also quoted Einstein to o’clock, asking himself, “am up his own company, Safe hang-ups around education but he won’t quit his lifelong As a self-confessed techno- summarise his early educa- I off my tree or what?” Place Systems, in the same along the way. learning journey, quoting phobe who now provides tional experience: “If you After that, he heard about period. “Martin Ó Fathaigh was Einstein once again: “Once risk assessments for a living, judge a fish by its ability to UCC ACE setting up a On a high professor of adult education you stop learning, you start it was perhaps natural that climb a tree, it will live its Diploma in Social Studies at the time and he always dying.” he’d double and triple check whole life believing that it is at Douglas Community He owes it to each of the made the point that he started By that logic, Vincent has the slides on the memory stupid.” School… “This course in courses he studied along out as a postman and went lived many lifetimes. And stick. Vincent was that fish. no small way lit my fire,” the way to bring about that back to college late as well. many more to come.

Production Credits: Journalist; Stephen Barry Editor; Alison O’Keeffe Layout and Design; Holly McGrath