The projects considered look at increasing participation in learning for the most disadvantaged.

Funding for community groups in Premier County

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Community groups based in Tipperary that support efforts against educational disadvantage are being encouraged by Tipperary Education and Training Board (ETB) to apply for REACH funding in 2023.

The REACH Fund is the new national name for the Migrating Against Educational Disadvantage Fund (MAEDF), which has seen almost €425,000 delivered to 66 community groups in Tipperary since 2020. The SOLAS initiative has increased the capacity of Community Education providers within the ETBs to address, enhance and engage the participation of disadvantaged learners in lifelong learning opportunities.

Tipperary ETB is inviting applications for funding across a range of different thematic areas including digital technologies, learner assistance fund, outreach and mentoring, innovative green projects, projects increasing participation in learning for the most disadvantaged, equality and inclusion projects, and Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) projects.

The REACH Fund to date has supported various projects throughout the county. Some of the community group recipients of this fund to date has included Aiséirí, Borrisoleigh Community Centre, Millennium Family Resource Centre, Substance Misuse South Tipperary, and North Tipperary Development Company.

A wide range of projects have been supported including assistance with the set-up community digital hubs in rural settings, social and therapeutic gardening, access supports to engage learners in adult education, as well as a range of other unique social inclusion projects.

Mary Stapleton, Tipperary ETB REACH Fund administrator, has advised: “This fund is an extremely valuable resource provided to Tipperary’s community groups and services adding supports and services which have addressed and supported educational disadvantage.”

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are now open for Reach Fund 2023 until March 29 , and further information can be found on tipperary.etb.ie/latest-news/launch-of-reach-fund-2023 or by contacting Mary at 0504 20383 or reachfund@tipperaryetb.ie.

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