Writing by Lorraine O'Connor, AONTAS Community Education Officer
Last Month, I went to an event in Cork focused on community education and wellbeing. Taking place in Collins Barracks in Cork city, this gathering of Cork community education providers was a reminder of the crucial work we do as community educators.
Every day, community educators support adult learners who face tough challenges. Tutors are often the first point of contact for learners and offer support in so many ways.
This often takes a toll on those working in the sector.
This event reminded me that, to do our job effectively, it is so important to protect our own wellbeing and the collective wellbeing of all. This will enable us to respond to is the systematic issues that affect the people learning through community education.
The opening session was led by the wonderful Tina Horan, a freelance consultant and dance choreographer, who invited us into the stunning courtyard of Colins Barracks where the sun shone brightly with a cool breeze – the perfect setting for a body movement session. This incredible session was an amazing opportunity to stop, slow down, breath, and just be in the moment.
Next, we heard from Geraldine Grant from Good Shepards Cork, who support people transitioning from homelessness offering supports in budgeting, education, parenting, and referral to other services.
Geraldine spoke about the WRAP programme, which is available to their participants, helping people to develop a toolkit and actions to help them deal with everyday challenges and maintain their own wellbeing.
Geraldine explained that, due to the success of the programme, it has now been rolled out with staff. Dedicated facilitators deliver the programme to staff, ensuring that their wellbeing is also being considered.
“This gives staff time to take for themselves, which is not training,” Geraldine said.
I felt this was a powerful example of caring for the carers in a practical and proactive way. I commend The Good Shepherd for their work.
Our last speaker was former learner John Keating, who spoke of his own experiences coming back to education after the loss of his wife. John spoke about the power of crafting, storytelling, and sharing with others as a way to help in the healing process. John started storytelling clubs in local libraries and now works as a tutor, sharing his craft through community education.
“There is just something special about community education,” John said.
After the break we took part in speed dating sessions, networking, and meeting fellow practitioners, exploring themes of inclusivity and supporting each other in community education.
Over 100 people joined for this event, including many of our long-standing Community Education Network (CEN) members, the Social and Health Education Project (SHEP), Nano Nagle Place, the Lantern Community Project, also a previous recipient of our prestigious AONTAS STAR Award. Also present on the day were Cork ETB, Trinity Community Trust Cork, Kerry Community Healthcare, the Good Sheperd Cork and the Irish Defence forces.
I would like to thank all the Community Education Engagement Group (CEEG) who looked after so all so well on the day.