ADULT EDUCATION

INTRODUCTION

Providing people with opportunities to learn new skills and giving them an active interest in further education has always been a key area of activity within Macra na Feirme. The adult education programme aims to contribute to the personal, social and vocational development of the members of Macra na Feirme. A certain number of activities are organised at national or county level, but there is great scope for clubs to organise activities of their own. Some of the activities organised for the 1997/98 year are:

DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION

The Development Education Programme aims to promote interest and awareness of issues in world development and justice and makes links between what is happening in Ireland and the wider world.

The programme, which is part funded by DEFY, includes a wide range of activities, including talks, seminars and workshops. These happen at national, regional and local level. For further details contact Jim McMahon (065) 24809 or your local training officer.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSES

These courses, which normally run for four/five nights, help participants to develop a broader, more confident outlook through discussing topics such as communications, relationships, self-confidence, self-esteem, assertiveness and personal planning. They are organised in an enjoyable, participative manner and would be of interest to any club.

TUTOR TRAINING FOR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

This course is designed to train tutors for the personal development courses outlined above. It is run nationally and consists of five/six weekend events which deal in depth with the issues which are included in the local courses. Tutor training also includes skills in presentation and course design.

POLITICAL EDUCATION COURSES

These courses aim to teach people how the political system in Ireland works. They include sessions on the Dail and Seanad, Europe, Local Government, Political Parties, Influencing the Political System, etc. They usually involve seven nights and a visit to the Houses of the Oireachtas.

PUBLIC SPEAKING AND COMMUNICATION AWARDS

These are assessments which help people develop their abilities in public speaking. They are adjudicated by an assessor from the Royal Irish Academy of Music. From 1998 on they will be accredited by the Academy.

HOW TO ORGANISE A COURSE FOR YOUR CLUB

Running a course in your club will benefit your members and attract new members. To organise a course you should:
-    Assess the needs and interests of your members in order to establish which course is of most interest to them. Perhaps you could circulate a checklist of possible courses and ask them to tick their preferences.
-    Identify possible tutors. Your county officers or your training officer may be able to assist you in choosing an appropriate trainer.
-    Once you have identified a tutor you should put firm plans in place as soon as possible. Book the tutor and arrange a fee. Book venue and agree dates. Collect deposit from members to guarantee sufficient interest.
-    In a number of cases funding/facilities/resource personnel may be available from educational and training support agencies - V.E.C.s, Dept. of Ed., LEADER, Partnerships, Teagasc, etc. There is also considerable scope for linking into existing courses provided in your locality.

Some possible suggestions for courses which you could run are:
Computers
Interview Skills
Start Your Own Business
Farming Skills
Career Guidance
Personal Fitness/Keep Fit/Aerobics
Car/Tractor Maintenance
Self Defence
Music Lessons
Decorative Horticulture
The Law and Civil Rights
Home Building
Local History
Swimming
Personal Finance
Ballroom/Set/Disco Dancing
Foreign Language
Horse Riding
First Aid
Training for Competitions
Public Speaking
Driving lessons
Clay Pigeon Shooting
Speakers on Farming Topics
Flower Arranging
Health Awareness
Consumer Rights
Cookery
Environmental Awareness
Alternative Medicine
Wine Tasting
Art Courses

For further information contact - lan Dinan, Training Manager at 01/4508000, your local VEC adult education officer or your local training officer.