Partnership Drugs Prevention Initiative wins national award:
The Partnership Education Initiative in Drug Prevention Education and Research Capacity, within the School of Applied Social Science, has won a prestigious STAR award from AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation (http://www.adultlearnersfestival.com). The Initiative won the Nationwide or All Island Reach category. Sean Haughey, Minister for Lifelong Learning, officially opened the ceremony on the day, and awards were presented by Michael D. Higgins, T.D.
Winners of the awards are required to show a high level of teamwork and partnership; a learner centred approach to education provision; adult education practice and methodologies; and outcomes.
Director of the initiative, Dr. Mary Ellen McCann said:
“The STAR award recognises the very clear learning progression, from engagement in community education courses, to undergraduate level, and hopefully in the future to post graduate level. The partnership provides the opportunity for traditional university courses to liaise with community education structures and methods. The courses are an example of a community of learners, working together to understand more about a very serious social problem.”
The partners involved in this initiative are: An Cosán, Tallaght; Urrús, Ballymun and Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI). An Cosán situated in Jobstown, Tallaght West, and Urrús (the training arm of Ballymun Youth Action Project, a community response to drug abuse) are both committed to the community development principles of equality, participation and equity. Merchants Quay Ireland is a large voluntary agency involved in drugs work. Since 1997, it has been involved with UCD in the provision of courses.
A direct progression route into the mainstream Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSc) degree programme is now available for these students. This is the first time that such a progression path has been available within UCD.
Catherine Doyle, a social science student who came through the community programmes addressed the ceremony:
“On a personal note I know I would not have ever had the confidence to take on studies at this level without accessing education through the community first. It has given me the confidence to participate in education on a level I could only ever dream of.”
The Head of the School of Social Science, Professor Brian Nolan, added:
“UCD aims to be a socially inclusive university where students from diverse backgrounds participate fully and equally in all facets of university life. This initiative is an example of how The School of Applied Social Science is to the fore in innovative provision for mature learners and students from lower socio-economic groups. I heartily congratulate all the staff involved, and our community partners on this achievement.”