Major new agreement will support community-based learning in Clare

A NEW agreement between Mary Immaculate College (MIC) and Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (the ETB) commits to supporting community-based learning in Clare and across the Mid-West and recognises the importance of making education accessible to all. 

Borne of an already fruitful and longstanding partnership, the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reaffirms the positive and mutual benefits of the collaboration for learners in primary, post-primary and tertiary education in the region.

MIC and the ETB already collaborate on the delivery of a number of programmes and projects and the MoU identifies a number of mutual interests, including collaboration on the co-design and co-delivery of existing and new programmes; enhanced progression opportunities to Higher Education courses from Further Education & Training provision.

It also means there will be collaboration on the new development of co-located facilities in Clare and Limerick with closer integration of real estate and strategic objectives for the region.

Professor Eugene Wall, President of MIC, said: “Through the signing of this new agreement, Mary Immaculate College is delighted to build on an already prosperous relationship with Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board. Our commitment therein emphasises the importance of making education accessible to all and will lead to the expansion of the programme offering in the region.

"The ETB Community National Schools and Community Colleges are the biggest provider of established Special Classes in the Mid-West, providing for these respective communities, and offering placement and employment for the expanding numbers of graduates from MIC in special needs. I look forward to witnessing the fruits of this partnership and to leading MIC’s undertaking in this regard.”

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George O’Callaghan, Chief Executive of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, commented: “With a shared tradition and history of collaboration with Mary Immaculate College, the ETB looks forward through this MoU to now further strengthen this collaboration across a range of areas including the primary, post-primary and tertiary education sectors."

The agreement further commits to the establishment of a Steering Group, led by the President of MIC and Chief Executive of the ETB, which will lead a strategic process of substantive progress and collaboration in education and training provision across the region.

An additional Working Group will also be established and will consist of three members from each institution who will operationalise strategic aims and objectives via a working plan and audit of activities. 

The agreement will be reviewed bi-annually by both parties to report and identify additional opportunities for agreement and collaboration.