Pat Nally has been Adult Education Organiser in Cavan for 20 years and in that time has seen enormous growth in the range of courses on offer and their geographical spread throughout the county. "The availability of courses is based on demand. Many new ideas have come to us from the people of Cavan who have expressed an interest in a particular discipline."
The four main education modules available to adults in Cavan are dispersed over 30 venues ranging from vocational schools to GAA clubs.
"We are lucky to have such interest coming from so many quarters," says Pat Nally. "It is thanks to co-operation from many different sectors that we can offer such a comprehensive service."
Recent times have seen the emergence of degree courses - a new feature in a county without a university.
Cavan College of Further Studies is now offering degrees in a range of subjects, and night courses for adults leading to degree or diploma qualifications are gaining popularity in the county.
According to Nally, the interest in this level of further study is growing and people are prepared to travel considerable distances to attend lectures.
"Four main subjects are consistently popular here in Cavan," according to Nally. "Computers, First Aid, art and interior design. "Given the enormous interest in these four areas we plan to extend courses and create more places over the coming year. We have also witnessed a growth in interest in continental languages in some of the smaller centres in Cavan." Nally does not offer an explanation for the trend.
Cavan's Literacy Scheme is to some degree challenged by the county's size, and so the county has its own dedicated Literacy Organiser.
The demand for literacy classes is growing - a positive trend for the county. In line with the experience nationwide, VTOS is generating a good response in Cavan. Many local people who have taken part in VTOS at Cavan College of Further Study have gone on to university, says Nally. The choice of subjects covered under VTOS is very broad and includes such areas as IT, childcare and tourism.
Community and Social Education is another learning module available to adults in Cavan. Funded by the Department of Education, these courses are established for particular groups with specific training needs. The Adult Education Officer works with such organisations as the Vincent de Paul, Social Services and the Health Board in devising the courses, which have been known to cover areas like parenting, home management, physical fitness and art. This, according to Nally, is another growing area.
Adult Education training in Cavan takes place at eight main centres; vocational schools at Cavan, Virginia, Bawnboy and Belturbet, non-vocational schools at Bailieboro' and St Aiden's Cootehill; St Claire's, Ballyjamesduff and Kingscourt Community Centre.
Other centres can be found at various primary schools, community centres and GAA centres countywide.
