"The programmes offered by the Frank Dwan Centre have been successful in breaking new ground and exposing young people to a wide range of social and cultural experiences for the last quarter of a century" said Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin, T.D. Minister Hanafin was in Thurles today to mark the 25th Anniversary of the opening of the Frank Dwan Training Centre. The project was set up in 1981 to cater for the needs of early school leavers in the Thurles area and later expanded to incorporate training facilities for Travellers.
Minister Hanafin said "we are all aware of the critical influence that a person's early educational experience can have on life chances. We also know that the decision to leave school early is not taken lightly. For those who leave school without qualifications this centre provides them with the opportunity for a return of self esteem and, perhaps for the first time for many, experience of success in learning and progress. Here in the Frank Dwan Centre, learners can choose from subjects such as literacy and numeracy, metalwork, woodwork, arts and crafts, hairdressing and computers.
The young people training here will gain skills that will help them throughout their lives ranging from personal development skills, health and social skills through to pre- and post natal care and health and safety."
Minister Hanafin went on to say "my aim is to ensure that all young people, including Travellers, have a quality education and that as many as possible remain in post-primary education until they have completed the senior cycle."
There are 33 Senior Traveller Training Centres located throughout the country which cater for the needs of Travellers aged 15 years and upwards who have left school early with minimal qualifications or no qualifications. These centres provide a programme of general education, vocational training, work experience as well as guidance counselling, psychological services and childcare services. There are approximately 1000 places nationally in the VEC sector and last year €20million was allocated to this area.
Minister Hanafin said "training programmes such as those provided at this centre offer young people the opportunity to sample a wide variety of vocational options, to identify where interests and talents lie and to develop further skills in those areas. It can also help them to develop important skills through work experience which supply young people with the communication skills, confidence and practical knowledge and experience for an active role in society."
Minister Hanafin concluded by acknowledging the huge commitment and enthusiasm of the Board, staff and trainees in the centre as well as the work of the Vocational Education Committee and FÁS to the Frank Dwan Training Centre.
ENDS