A NEW Dublin City University (DCU) outreach programme which aims to bridge the “town/gown” divide was officially opened by the Minister of State for Lifelong Learning in Ballymun yesterday.
Speaking at the opening of the “DCU in the community” building on Shangan Road in Ballymun, Seán Haughey paid tribute to the “pioneering work” by DCU which had led to its construction.
He acknowledged that for many people living in the area, formal education may not have been a satisfying period in their lives. But he said Government efforts to promote lifelong learning include allowing people to access education at any stage in their lives.
This benefited not just the individual, but also the wider economy at a time when the country needs to be competitive in relation to upskilling, he said.
“This centre is a hugely important initiative which will serve to improve third-level access and increase participation in higher education in the Ballymun area, particularly for those who may not otherwise consider moving on to university,” he added.
The establishment of the new centre forms part of DCU’s continuing “civic engagement” strategy. This aims to link the resources of the university to its neighbouring communities.
The centre has already piloted a number of short courses in areas such as communications and computers. These seek to introduce people to third-level education by giving them a “taste” of what life may be like at third level.
Prof Ferdinand von Prondzynski, president of DCU, highlighted the work being undertaken at the university to promote interaction with the local community, stressing that DCU is a “north side of Dublin university”.
“Ballymun should see DCU as one of its institutions,” he said. “DCU is open to everyone.”
Yesterday’s launch was also addressed by two students at the centre, John Kelly and Olga Belavina. Mr Kelly (62) left school at the age of 13 and has recently completed a “taste of university” course at the centre. He hopes to proceed to degree-level studies at DCU.
“At 62 I’m just realising you’re never too old to learn,” he told those present. “Finally it was my time.”