History of St. Joseph’s Education Centre

Introduction

This section will briefly look at the history of the centre, its inception and the major events which have influenced its growth and development.

2009

• Traveller Education Centres had a name change as a result of the consultation process and became Centres for Education under the Strategic Plan for the network of centres.
• St. Joseph’s Education Centre reviewed their Mission Statement and commenced work on QFI Centre Development Planning.
• An Anger Management Programme for men was delivered over a number of weeks by Michael O’Toole and Triona Lynch.
• Clare Haven delivered a programme to the women raising awareness on domestic violence.
• The centre participated in Aontas, Adult Learner’s Festival and many activities were organised for the week. The star performance was Jon Kenny’s visit to the centre and he entertained us royally, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
• After eleven years the Jobs Initiative Scheme has ceased in the centre. Winnie Mongans made a great contribution to centre life and we wish her well in her retirement.
• We had student placements from St. Angela’s, LIT and UCC.
• We had men cooking doing the HSE “Cook It” programme.
• Learners completed an “Active Citizenship Programme” which was delivered by Clarecare and “Looking at the Economy through the Eyes of a Woman” in partnership with Clare Women’s Network.
• NATC and the Director’s Association commission national research.
• The McCarthy Report recommends the integration of all Senior Traveller Education (Training) Centres and this will save !25m. However, there is no definition of what they mean by integration and if they wish to save !25m this means closure of the centres.