ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE OPENING OF THE ADULT RESOURCE CENTRE PATRICIAN COLLEGE
ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE OPENING OF THE ADULT RESOURCE CENTRE PATRICIAN COLLEGE, FINGLAS ON MONDAY 30 MARCH, 19
A few weeks ago, I spoke with a Dublin woman who had ‘missed’ an essential part of her early education and, as a result, had to face a literacy problem in recent years – a problem that she was forced to face when one of the five children she had protected and educated, wrote to her from his new place of work in Germany, and when she found herself ashamed that she was unable to pen a reply.
I was struck by her anger at missing out on an education when she was young – on missing out on the wonders of reading when she was a child – of adventures, romance or just everyday things of interest. And she had also missed out on her children’s education – she was unable to help in their reading and writing – in just advising on what they might do in their homework – in just going over their reading or poetry with them. But her great anger at missing those opportunities was matched by an equal sense of joy at the windows and doors that had been opened by being able at last to read – and the sheer pride at being able to write her son a letter with ease.
Meeting that woman, who had lived with the shame of a predicament which was not of her making, brought home to me how easy it is to fall away from education at that critical time in our lives – how a small gap can quickly grow to become a large chasm – how simple it is to lose touch. That lady knew she would have to go back to education – to start over again to learn to read and write – but she just didn’t know where to start looking.
As a mother myself, I know that our main concern for our children is to do what’s best for them – to give them the best chance in life – to make it possible for them to play a full part in society. In this age which is becoming more and more a leisure culture - when the distractions for children are immense – it is important for them to realise that their parents are part of their education and learning process – that we are working with their teachers and their school for their best interests – and, importantly, that we are not afraid to learn ourselves.
For many of us, particularly, those of us who have been away from formal education for a long time – or who had a troubled time during those important years – education can be intimidating – can put us off – can conjure up images of tests and exams – of degrees or diplomas – and all the pressure that that brings with it. But education has different forms – there is a type of learning and education to suit everybody. It is possible to learn without having to sit an exam to prove it.
Earlier I met with a number of parents and pupils working – or should I say learning – together in the new room. I was struck by the vitality of those who had come in to be part of the continuing education experience that life is – who were working together as families and community to open the doors of learning – to give their families the start they need – to do well by themselves and by their children. The Adult Resource Centre is a place where people can learn without pressure – where people can pick up new skills and develop new interests – where the can share in the learning experiences of their children. The Patrician College is part of the community here in West Finglas – it is not an intimidating or imposing place that turns people away. It is a welcoming place for all members of the community.
I want to congratulate the school principal, Paul Duffy, on this very positive development – a development which will make it easier for parents and children to work and learn together. I also want to pay tribute to Clare Ryan - the Home/School co-ordinator who has worked hard to bring this project to fruition – and the teachers, the auxiliary staff, tutors and chaplain at the college. I would like to congratulate the parents who have joined in – and to encourage them to spread the word. I know that this is the culmination of a great deal of work and support by a lot of people – the A.S.T.I and J.M.B. who funded the project – the V.E.C. and Finglas/Cabra Partnership who give great support to the Home/School Co-ordinators – the Department of Education, the Juvenile Liaison service and the Garda Siochana.
I want to commend everybody who has been associated with making this a reality and to wish you well in making education and learning a positive experience for pupils and families.