AN COSAN AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Q&A:

We asked Maria Flanagan (pictured) how can community development workers and co-ordinators connect people or groups with An Cosán?

Any community educator, community development practitioner or community organisation who is interested in finding out more about becoming a Community Partner, can contact our Community Partner Lead Maria Flanagan, who supports our national network of over 200 Community Partners. We invite community educators, practitioners, coordinators to become Digital Champions in their community and avail of our free training for Community Educators on our Digital Inclusion Tools.

Is there a fee/cost to community projects?

Our Access Introduction classroombased programmes in Tallaght are funded by the Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board, the HSE and TUSLA. Fees apply for learners who register for our Further Education and Higher Education modules and programmes.

An Cosán offers phased payment options and has a small Bursary Fund available for individual learners.

We have also put together a guide to other funding supports from third party organisations and will help learners in the application process. We are constantly seeking funding to support programmes for specific underserved groups so that no one is left behind.

Does An Cosán offer a service in every county?

Learners can join our blended online programmes from anywhere in Ireland once they have access to the technology. If they don’t, we can work with them to provide supports and introduce them to a Community Partner or connect them with a community organisation in their area.

Can you give an example where An Cosán has worked with a Local Development Company, Community Development Project, or Family Resource Centre?

Yes – Wexford Waterford Education and Training Board, Wexford Local Development Company, and Southend Family Resource Centre.

For example, a group of learners from Southend began in 2016 and now more than 35 of them have completed modules and 10 of the group completed a Certificate in Leadership and Community Development (and one transferred to BA Addiction Studies and Community Development).

In January 2022, this group graduated with a BA Degree from South East Technological University. Waterford Wexford ETB funded Year 1 and Wexford Local Development funded the remainder of the programme.

What An Cosán courses are most popular with community workers?

At access level: Introduction to Community Development (Unaccredited) six weeks online.

At further education level: Major Award in Community Development (QQI Level 5)

At higher education level:

○ Community Development (NFQ Level 6)

○ Certificate in Leadership and Community Development (NFQ Level 6)

○ BA Degree in Leadership and Community Development (NFQ Level 7)

○ BA Degree in Applied Addiction Studies and Community Development (NFQ Level 7)

Dolores O’Sullivan (pictured above) said: “The two years I spent at An Cosán have been more beneficial, rewarding and enjoyable for me than the 14 years I spent in mainstream education. An Cosán gave me belief in myself that I could go back to study and get a qualification.

“Before I started, I was given all the information I needed about the modules involved and about the financial and other supports An Cosán offers.

“An Cosán has had an enormous impact on my life. It is a special place with very special people who are making a significant impact on people’s lives in the most positive and nurturing way.

“I was incredibly fortunate to have an amazing lecturer and mentor in Christina. Christina went above and beyond for each of her students, always guiding us on our educational journey. Christina is, without doubt, the reason I’m now pursuing a BA degree programme,” she said.