Maybe you’re not looking for a certified course, and just want to learn some new skills and contribute to your community on a part-time basis? If so, a Tipperary ETB Community Education course is what you’re looking for!
Community Education is outside the formal education sector, with the aims of enhancing learning, fostering empowerment and contributing to civic society.
It is located in communities, and the content of the courses are based on the needs of individuals and communities. The Community Education service facilitates and supports community-based adult education classes for a range of groups through the provision of tutor hours in Tipperary.
Community Education groups and voluntary organisations are invited to apply for this service every November. Priority is given to community education courses that engage individuals and groups who experience particular barriers to participation in adult learning and increase participation in community activity.
Tipperary ETB’s Community Education courses take place all across the county. They may take place at one of our 17 Tipperary FET Colleges, or at smaller community venues in towns and villages.
Contact Tipperary ETB’s Community Education Facilitators for more information about courses in your area.
Participants may be charged a small fee to assist with ancillary costs. For example, tea/coffee, room rental, etc.
The REACH Fund, administered in Tipperary by Tipperary ETB, delivers funding to improve access and supports for educationally disadvantaged learners who participate in community education programmes across Ireland.
The overarching aim of the 2024 fund is to increase the participation of disadvantaged learners, particularly those who are undertaking literacy and skills programmes.
Community Education providers in Tipperary have applied for funding across several categories including learner assistance, green projects, support for refuge groups and digital supports.
Funded by Tipperary ETB, the Social Therapeutic Horticulture Programme in Clonmel uses gardening, floristry and other plant-based activities to support service users of the HSE Ireland Substance Misuse Service along their recovery journey.
With many of the participants having gone on to complete further education and training courses, the Social Therapeutic Programme is regarded nationally as best practice. Due to their success and innovative approach, the programme has been visited by the Irish President, Michael D Higgins, and was even featured at Bloom in the Phoenix Park in 2023.
The programme won the AONTAS STAR Award in the Health and Wellbeing category at the AONTAS Star Awards in March 2024.
