Better supports for mature students

“Education can be a gateway out of poverty and a chance at a better life for so many, but we must provide supports to enable mature learners to succeed and their needs to be listened to,” according to Alan Quinn, Student Council Chairperson for Tipperary Education and Training Board (TETB) who addressed the AONTAS Adult Education Summit at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin recently.

Currently studying for a QQI level 5 in photography, Alan originally left school aged 12 with a negative experience of education. When ill health forced him to take early retirement from a career in security, he discovered a new love of learning through an online computers course.

Now chairperson of the student council, Alan says: “I see it as my role to make all students feel safe, happy and able to succeed, especially mature students who’ve taken risks to come back to learning. I want to make sure that no one else experiences what I did in school - everyone should feel listened to and valued.”

Speaking on a student panel at the ‘A Window to the World’ Summit, Alan advocated for those who are struggling with transport costs and accommodation, recalling a story of a young man sleeping in his car to attend classes. Also speaking at the event was Ciarán Kennedy, Community Education Facilitator for Wellbeing at TETB, who shared insights on how the ETB is leading the way in the areas of social inclusion and empowering learner voices.

Tipp ETB commended for empowering students

Tipperary ETB was recognised for best practice in supporting learner’s voices in AONTAS’ annual ‘Learners’ Voices Across Ireland’ report which was launched at the recent summit.

TETB learners reported that the student council forum provided an important channel through which they could express their views and feel heard by staff. Learners reported that the student council was a source of connection and mental health support. A learner quote in the report said: “The environment in the classroom has meant that we have the confidence to use our voice more, which can actually contribute to other people learning more effectively in the course.”

While the research report highlights overwhelmingly positive experiences of Further Education and Training, it has also revealed regional inequalities in learning experiences due to disparities in public transport, facilities, and inclusion and mental health supports.

CEO of AONTAS, Dearbháil Lawless, said: “There are two principal narratives emerging from this year’s report – that education has a hugely transformative impact on learners’ lives, particularly those returning to education later in life – and that issues around local infrastructure and facilities are creating inequalities and barriers for learners across the country to access, or take full advantage of, those transformative experiences.

“For many people in Tipperary and across Ireland, particularly those from under-resourced communities and groups that face the greatest challenges in accessing quality education, crossing the threshold of a college or training centre is a huge step, and for many just getting to the front door is the biggest barrier. Without affordable, reliable public transport, people in rural areas and people living in poverty continue to be at a disadvantage in accessing education and training opportunities.”