What is SAOL?
SAOL, which was established in 1995, is a community based educational and rehabilitation day programme for women in treatment for drug addiction. We are based in Dublin’s North Inner City. SAOL believes that education is the key to escaping poverty and addiction.
The average school leaving age of our client group is 14 years old and very few leave school with any formal educational qualifications. SAOL is attempting to redress the educational balance for its clients in the context of a drug rehabilitation framework. SAOL provides participants with the opportunity to complete a level four FETAC certificate and also provides classes in addiction, personal development and life skills.
SAOL works from a case management and care planning approach in order to meet the person centred needs of every individual. Each client is afforded the opportunity to develop a personal plan. The project then works with them to help them achieve their identified goals.
In order for women to access appropriate services, the provision of childcare is essential for equality of access. SAOL is unique within Dublin’s Inner City in that it provides a full time childcare facility for the participants.
SAOL is an acronym of four Gaelic words - Seasamhact, Abaltacht, Obair, Leann which translated into English means Stability, Ability, Work and Learning.
