ATU launches new part-time programme in Community Development and Youth Work

December 19, 2024

Regina Daly, ATU Communications

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) this week launched a new part-time Higher Certificate in Community Development and Youth Work programme, which commences delivery from 21 January (2025) in the ATU Mayo campus.

L to R: Anne Finn, Mayo North East Partnership; Dr Sheila McArdle, Lecturer ATU, Sr Maureen Lally, Tochar Valley Rural Community Network, Dr Justin Kerr, VP ATU Mayo and Head of School, Mairead Cluskey, Lecturer ATU, Dr. Deirdre Garvey, Head of Dept of Environmental Humanities and Social Science and Breda Ruane, Youth Officer, MSLETB).

Attending the launch (Tuesday 17 December) were representatives from local community organisations and youth development networks including guest speakers Mayo-based practitioners Breda Ruane, Youth Officer, Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education and Training Board (GLETB) and Anne Finn, Mayo North East Partnership who, together with other community network representatives including Sr Maureen Lally, Tochar Valley Rural Community Network, worked with staff in the ATU Department of Environmental Humanities and Social Science to develop this new long-awaited Level 6 course.

Dr Deirdre Garvey, Head of Department in Environmental Humanities and Social Science, ATU Mayo, says: “This new programme will provide new opportunities to access third level education at ATU Mayo campus and will enhance our engagement with and support for communities in our region”.

Dr Justin Kerr, ATU Vice President Mayo Campus and Head of School, thanked all stakeholders who worked on developing the programme with ATU staff thus far and gave assurance to continuing this work in the future.

Breda Ruane, Youth Officer, MSLETB, says: “This course is important for communities in the region. Graduates of this programme and professional youth workers can make a real difference in young people’s lives.”

Anne Finn, Mayo North East Partnership, says: “Youth care organisations are in full support of the programme and will facilitate practice placement where participants can gain practical experience of working in community and youth work settings.”

The programme will be delivered in a blended format, with two consecutive days per week on the ATU Mayo campus. Applications are open until 7 January 2025. See: Community Development and Youth Work – Atlantic Technological University

Picture captions [Photos by Mike Shaughnessy. No repro fee]