Sir, – We note and are not surprised by the education report highlighting the ongoing issue of some young people in securing places in higher education (“Drop in disadvantaged students going to college”, Education, December 14th).
Low levels of social mobility are at play here along with lack of social capital – the young person’s ability to secure benefits through networks.
Innovate Communities manages an online mentoring programme – INSPIRE Mentoring – for this very cohort, typically the first generation to get to third level and who are in need of professional networks and role models.
The young person gets supported by a volunteer mentor from industry to remain in higher education to achieve their full potential. – Yours, etc,
ELAINE McGAURAN,
INSPIRE Programme
Manager,
Innovate Communities,
Ballymun,
Dublin 11.
Sir, – The notion that we live in a true meritocracy or a republic of equals is, unfortunately, a myth. It remains the case that wealth is largely distributed in this country according to accident of birth rather than talent and gumption. That this should still be the case 100 years after the foundation of the State is most disappointing. – Yours, etc,
REAMONN O’LUAN,
Churchtown,
Dublin 14.