About Adult and Further Education

County Monaghan VEC's Adult and Further Education programme is organised and co-ordinated by the Adult Education Organiser (AEO), Dr Fiona McGrath. The AEO is supported by the Adult Education Board comprised of representatives from NEHB, FAS, IFA, MACRA, Teagasc, Co Partnership, Adult Literacy Scheme, Second Level Schools, VEC, ICA as well as business and community organisations. Services and programmes provided in Co Monaghan include adult and community education classes, literacy service, VTOS programme, adult guidance service, I.T. outreach training, F.E. courses, BTEI Programme etc.
In the context of the Government's (2000) White Paper on Adult Education "Learning for Life" (available on the publications section of the Department of Education and Science web site - www.education.ie ) - Co Monaghan VEC aims to offer a wide range of education and training opportunities and supports for adults in the county. This is arapidly expanding and an ever changing field, which has evolved to meet the needs of local communities.
Government commitment of resources to addressing literacy needs and to increasing opportunities for those with less than upper second level education, targets the disadvantaged and has already had a significant impact on the number of adults partaking of lifelong learning opportunities locally.
The associated supports of Adult Educational Guidance and funding for Childcare have been of major benefit in increasing access to training, in facilitating appropriate choices and in identifying progression opportunities for adult learners.
Provision of programmes and services on an outreach basis has also proven to be very successful, particularly in rural areas where lack of access to transport can be a major hindrance to participation.
Further development and expansion in Adult Education is inevitable as Government has given strong commitment to investment in this area. This will be warmly welcomed by all those involved in the field - providers, learners, support services, employers etc and will ultimately enrich our society from the grassroots up.

Dr Fiona McGrath
Adult Education Officer