Plans have been unveiled to develop Limerick as a learning city and make education accessible to all sectors of society, no matter how old or young, or whether they are urban or rural dwellers.
Helping to Grow Limerick as a Learning Region reflects the role that it will play in supporting Limerick City and County Council’s “Growing Limerick” Initiative.
Lifelong Learning is a critical tool for the development of people, communities and workplaces in Limerick. Limerick recognises that learning is critical to the success of all local government work, including the implementation of policies in areas such as social inclusion, culture, entrepreneurship and employability.
The plan’s vision is for: “A vibrant Limerick region where people are living healthier, happier and more productive lives as a result of their involvement in Lifelong Learning.”
The Learning Limerick Strategic Plan 2018 – 2022 was launched today (Thursday 30 Nov 2017) in The Hunt Museum by the Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Stephen Keary, accompanied by Eimear Brophy, Further Education and Training Manager with Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, and Carmel Kirby, Director of Social Development at Limerick City and County Council.
The Plan was developed by the Learning Limerick steering group, representing the main stakeholders involved in promoting learning across Limerick city and county.
Learning Limerick is a multi-sectoral partnership group which is chaired by a Director of Service from Limerick City and County Council and includes representatives from education, childcare, social welfare, enterprise, youth work, local development and migrant integration.
The work of this group was rewarded with Limerick receiving the UNESCO Learning City Award 2017.
Limerick has achieved exceptional progress by putting in place the building blocks of a learning city and in promoting lifelong learning.
In launching the strategy, Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Stephen Keary said: “This plan is a road map that will plot the direction for Learning Limerick partner organisations, and others who want to contribute to the growth of Limerick as a vibrant Learning Region.”
“We are working together with all the stakeholders to make education as accessible to everyone as possible. Lifelong Learning is something we should all advocate.”
Eimear Brophy, Further Education and Training Manager with Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board said: “The purpose of Learning Limerick is to promote the importance of lifelong learning for every person, family, community and workplace in the Limerick region.”
“Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, along with the third level colleges, is committed to working in partnership with all stakeholders to influence education and skills policy locally, nationally and internationally.”
Carmel Kirby, Director of Social Development with Limerick City and County Council said: “We need to ensure that we can equip local people across the social spectrum and age groups with the competencies, skills and attitudes needed for the 21st century. Learning is central to quality of life where people can expect to live longer, healthier and more productive lives. We also want to grow the population and attract new people and talent to the city region.”
Denis Barrett, Cork Learning City Co-ordinator, also made a presentation at the launch about their learning city initiative and partnership approach in Cork.