“I know that I’m good at what I do but like many others I lack the qualifications to back this up”
I’ve learnt so much through volunteering over the last 15 years and it has opened my eyes to local issues. When I was bringing up my children there were very few family support groups and crèches were just too expensive. This was a real issue for families then and it still is now. I know what it’s like not to have support so being able to offer this to members of my community is really rewarding for me. I’ve developed a passion for helping others and I now want to establish a career from this. I know I’m good at what I do but I lack the qualifications to back this up.
“My initial response was that I was too old”
A friend recently suggested that I return to education so I could progress my career. My initial response was that I was too old. I was unaware about the options available and I always thought college would cost a fortune. Then when my granddaughter was in 6th year I realised that we didn’t have adequate information on colleges and grants. Her school advised me to contact the Parents Mentoring Committee, where I received useful information about different education options, like the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS). I was surprised to learn about the variety of different routes into education and I shared this knowledge with my grandchildren.
“My granddaughter and I have enrolled in Ballyfermot College of Further Education together”
My granddaughter and I have enrolled in Ballyfermot College of Further Education together which has been a really unique experience. I have just started a VTOS QQI Level 5 course in health and community and I hope this will provide me with the qualification I need to get a job in the community and voluntary sector. I found returning to education daunting at first but when I realised there were other adult learners in my class and younger students didn’t bat their eyes about my age, I could relax and start to enjoy myself. It’s brilliant to see my granddaughter and I start this journey together and I am very proud of her. Most importantly I am doing this for me because I want to get the recognition I deserve after 15 years of volunteering in my community.
