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Taken from Drogheda Independent - DI Plus - Wednesday June 20 2007
The Drogheda Partnership continue their outreach education endeavours on both sides of the town using Moneymore Boxing Club and Southside Community Development Project as prime locations.
This week heralded the end of the Personal Development and Computer module for both the men's and women's groups in Southside. The Drogheda independent caught up with the groups to see what was happening:
On the day of the visit to Southside Community Development Project a Polish group of 39 individuals who work in a similar partnership model in Olsztyn were visiting to learn about the work of the Drogheda Partnership and the services on offer in community houses at a local level.
At the time, the Personal Development and Computer Classes were being evaluated by participants. We spoke to project coordinator Ms Ina McCrumlish who explained that the curriculum in southside was a three-strand approach. This offered participants the opportunity to:
a) Up-skill their computer literacy.
b) Improve their written and oral communication, which is still ongoing.
c) Reflect on their lives and learn new behaviour routines to assist them to get what they want. This tailored module is titled 'turning up'.
All of the modules are accredited by FETAC and a medium of writing, interview, art and role play is employed. As author of the turning up programme Ina explained that she based the personal development on the writings of Victor Frankl who purports that when human beings identify the 'why?' the 'how?' will present itself.
The key philosophies are finding purpose, establishing meaning, goel setting and correct conduct and action. Asked how succesful the course was, Ina explained that the participants could speak for themselves.
On completion participants described themselves as more confident, happier, more fulfilled, more focused and having more self-belief. Some felt that the course should be 'compulsory' for everybody!
Ina emphasised that this curriculum was a collaborative approach.
The contribution of the VEC and support of Maria Morgan and Sheila McEvoy were paramount. She acknowledged and thanked all the tutors and Southside Community Development Project for all their hard work and ongoing commitment to making a difference. |
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