In February , AONTAS were honoured to welcome Minister of State Marian Harkin from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to one of our valued Community Education Network (CEN) members, Cranmore Community Co-operative in Sligo. 

Cranmore Community Co-operative Society is a charity providing community education, youth services, and essential supports to residents of Cranmore and the wider Sligo East City area. Their mission is to champion democracy by empowering local people to have a meaningful voice in shaping their own community. They are deeply committed to driving positive social change by creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where everyone is encouraged to participate, contribute, and thrive. 

The visit offered a valuable opportunity for Minister Harkin to engage directly with community educators, learners, local leaders, and dedicated stakeholders who are strengthening their community through education.  

Minister Harkin was greeted by AONTAS staff members, Dearbháil Lawless, CEO, Conor Thompson, Head of Advocacy and Policy, our hosts, and a dedicated CEN member, Cranmore Community Cooperative. Carolina Peña Navarro, Centre manager  

Strengthening Connections in Community Education 

The Minister gave generously of her time, taking great care to connect with learners, education providers, community development workers, and the local community served by Cranmore. She also met with representatives from Sligo LEADER, Mayo, Sligo, and Leitrim ETB, and the Cranmore Regeneration Project from Sligo County Council. 

Minister Harkin’s Reflections: A Visit Marked by Community, Belonging, and Transformation 

Minister Harkin’s recent visit to Cranmore was filled with warmth, familiarity, and a deep sense of connection. Opening her address, she expressed heartfelt gratitude for the enthusiastic welcome she received. As someone who spent many rewarding years teaching at the local Mercy College, the Minister reflected fondly on her time in the area, celebrating the enduring spirit, resilience, and pride that make Cranmore such a special place. 

She shared: 

“This is a place people like to come. I get a good sense of the area—Cranmore is responding, the difference between then and now is transformational. Cranmore is a community that knows where it is going and where it is from”. 

Her comments highlighted not only her personal familiarity with the community but also her appreciation for Cranmore’s remarkable progress. 

The Minister continued: 

“When I am here, people tell me their stories, how this place has changed their lives. It gives me a real sense of the value of programmes like this, not just on paper but in human terms.” 

Reflecting on the broader context of her visit, she added: 

“This is my second visit to a Community Education Centre. I have travelled across the whole country, visiting programmes, but this is only my second time visiting a centre like this specifically, and it really stands out.” 

The Impact of Community Education  

She acknowledged the ongoing demand for apprenticeships, training, and practical opportunities, while urging focus on what is truly essential: 

“I have spoken with people trying to get more apprentices, more training, more practical opportunities, all crucial things. But we have to be careful not to lose sight of what really matters: people’s lives, their communities, and the role centres like this play in both. From visiting here today, speaking with people in this centre and in places like Mullingar, and elsewhere, I have seen the real, tangible work being done. Even earlier today, most of the discussion was about biodiversity and the importance of engaging with it in practical ways.” 

Recognising the Broader Value of Learning 

In closing, Minister Harkin reflected on the depth and meaning of her visit: 

“This visit has been really special, genuinely special. Education is not just about skills. It is about confidence, belonging, and identity. It is about saying: This is who I am. This is where I come from. And that is exactly what is happening here.” 

Meeting Community Development Workers and programme participants in Cranmore   

During the visit, we met with Marie Brennan, the first Community Development Worker in Cranmore employed by Sligo County Council under RAPID funding. Marie has dedicated herself to ensuring that the local community is engaged in every element that affects them. A democratic and lifelong learner herself, Marie explained that returning to education transformed her into what she proudly calls a “serial learner. I just loved learning new things, to have some way to express myself.” 

Speaking to Helen O’Hara, a community development worker who works alongside Marie, she said that taking part in education “gave me the belief that if I can do it, so can you.” 

When asked Marie and Helen how they engaged the local community, they told us, “You make people believe that it can’t happen without them—and it can’t.” You must be out there with the community, engage the young people, build trust, stay connected, and let the community know what is happening. It is purely relational. They explained to me how the first community platform originated: we had an election with the local community, which created a sense of ownership, trust, and commitment. The Cranmore Regeneration Project is a shining example of Community Development principles and an exemplary example of a democratic process in action.  

Speaking to Carolina, the Centre Manager, she thanked AONTAS for their support, saying: “We do advocacy work every day, but we can’t do it all the time — so we need you.” She thanked us for the Minister’s visit, citing the importance to the local community in Cranmore and what it meant to the community. Her message once again highlighted the importance of community education and stakeholder engagement, connection, and collaboration.  

We wish to convey our profound gratitude to Minister Harkin for her steadfast and continued support of AONTAS. We also extend our sincere appreciation to Carolina, along with the staff and wider community in Cranmore, for welcoming us with such genuine warmth, dedication, and commitment. 

We look forward to the opportunity to continue our collaboration with you all in the future.