Youthreach Ballinasloe

Staff Structure:

• Two full-time teachers
• Seven part-time teachers
• One guidance counsellor

Mission Statement:

The policy of our centre is to nurture the full potential of each and every person in a safe and happy atmosphere where respect and self-esteem are valued and all members learn to live and live to learn.

Programme Aims:

The aim of the Youthreach programme is to enable participants to recognise and respond positively to their specific learning and personal needs.

Programme Objectives:

• Personal and social development and increased self-esteem.
• Second-chance education and introductory level training.
• Promoting independence, personal autonomy and a pattern of lifelong learning.
• Integration into further education and training opportunities and the labour market.
• Certification relative to ability and career options.
• Social inclusion

Gary Rutledge being presented with his certificate by County Galway Lord Mayor Seán Canny

Terry Hutchinson with County Galway Lord Mayor Seán Canny

Mark Hutchinson with County Galway Lord Mayor Seán Canny

Course Description:

There are three levels offered:

• FETAC/NCVA Foundation level
• Junior Certificate
• Leaving Certificate

FETAC/NCVA Foundation

This course concentrates on four core modules:

• Personal Effectiveness
• Communications
• Mathematics
• Computer Literacy
• And a further four elective modules from a broad selection including:
  Woodcraft, metalwork, food and nutrition, outdoor pursuits, work preparation, work orientation, art and design, transnational experience and drama.
• On successful completion of this one year course a student receives a FETAC (NCVA) Foundation Level Award.
• The student may now progress onto FETAC Level 1 or the Junior Certificate.

Junior Certificate

• The purpose of this course is to provide a well-balanced education for students to facilitate further study or obtain employment/apprenticeships.
• Subjects offered include: English, Irish, Mathematics, Home Economics, Geography, Woodwork, C.S.P.E., Art, Spanish.

Leaving Certificate

• The purpose of this course is to prepare students for entry into society or to proceed further with their education.
• Subjects offered include: English, Irish, Mathematics, Home Economics Social & Scientific, Art, Business Studies, Geography.

In-House Modules:

We also offer the following programmes Drug Awareness, Health and Safety, “Copping On�, Guidance and Counselling, Trips and Activities, Relationships and Sexuality Education and Sports.

Premises:

There are eight rooms within the centre:
Woodwork room, Metalwork room, Computer room, Arts and Crafts room, Kitchen, Library, Office and Staff room.

Students:

• Youthreach can accommodate twenty five students at any one time.
• There are twenty three students at present:
  Six students on the Foundation Level, seven on the Junior Certificate Course and eight on the Leaving Certificate course.

Resources & Expertise Available:

• Education Welfare Officers
• Social Workers
• Psychological Services
• W.H.B. Juvenile Liaison Officer
• Probation Services
• Western Youthreach Network
• National Youthreach Association
• Léargas
• Copping On
• Breaking Through

Times / Months available

• The Centre is open 46.5 weeks per year.
• Monday – Friday: 09.00hrs – 16.30hrs.
• The Centre closes the month of August for annual holidays.

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