The Community Based Youth Measures were approved following analysis of the needs of young people and after consultation with interested organisations on the most urgent needs and priorities for youth in South Kerry. The underlying assumption of the plan is that while many young people perform very well within the education system , many others experience failour and leave before getting qualifications.

The support provided by SKDP seeks to complement the Dept of Education and Science In – School Initiatives by providing additional help through homework clubs, a family based computer learning programme, assistance for parents and a well being programme for 2^nd level students which aims to address issues such as substance abuse and health, bullying and other issues and it gives the student strategies to help increase coping skills in times of high stress.

Other initiatives are operated through linkages with Family Resource Centres, Kerry Education Service and Kerry Diocesan Youth Service.

 

The following actions are being operated in 2009:

Childhood Language Support; Family Supported Learning; Support for the Learning Support Unit;

Classroom Management Support; Counsellling Initiative ; Mentor Support & other supports for young people in Killarney; Well Being Programme in 2^nd Level schools ; Support to the Jig Saw Project in Kerry; Parenting Supports ; Special Needs Support ; Rural Youth Initiative

 

The following  actions are being operated in 2009 under the Services to the Unemployed ;

Tom Mc Bride Education Bursary Fund ; Tom Mc Bride Training Bursary Fund

 

Eligibility Criteria/ Conditions of Aid

LDSIP -Family Supported Learning funding is designed to help children at risk within primary schools/ in community in South Kerry. Administered through the school/ FRC, the teaching staff nominate the children who would benefit from the home based professional help.

An application form is sent out to groups / schools on an annual basis.

Support for Learning Support Unit – This is an interagency collaboration which supports family learning in South Kerry and funding is allocated to a co-ordinator and for materials and programmes as agreed at local levels with the project partners in Iveragh, Kenmare, Killarney and Killorglin areas. The partners include KES, FRC, DEIS Co-ordinators and HSE personnel.

Counselling Initiative – This support is aimed at 2^nd level students in the education system who need counselling support to address issues as they impact on their learning and on their capacity to engage with others. The programme is available through the principal and pastoral team within the school and they make direct contact with the South West Counselling Centre in Killarney which provides the support.       

Mentor & other actions to support young people in Killarney – This action is agreed with KDYS which provides informal education supports to young people who have left the education system . Others involved include the FRC in Killarney and other organisations providing help and support to young people,

Well Being Programme – The Well Being Programme is a support to 1^st year students and provides a short programme of help to selected schools to address substance abuse, positive decision making and giving the students skills to deal with discrimination and to increase their capacity to cope in times of high stress.

Schools are nominated by the youth officer in SKDP and funding allocated on a rotational basis. 

Support to the Jigsaw project – The programme is aimed at helping the Jigsaw project to become effective in Kerry communities. This is a direct support to the project which will become operational in 2009 and will link in with schools and community in addressing mental health issues.

Parenting Supports – Support is given to groups which operate sessions, courses or programmes for parents.

In recognition that many parents need knowledge and additional skills in helping their children, resources are given through this measure to encourage the development of these important skills.

A small budget is available and application is made through a completed application form available from Education Co-ordinator in SKDP.   

Special Needs Support –

Rural Youth Initiative –

 

Services to the Unemployed – Tom Mc Bride Education / Training Fund

The Tom Mc Bride Bursary Education and Training fund is available for people on low income who are engaged in training and education programmes leading to qualifications. The assistance is used to help with fees, travel, childcare and book costs needed for courses and is available to those on low income, with few qualifications and living in South Kerry.

Funding is made available twice in the year (in spring closing date is March 13^th 2009 and in autumn September 30th 2009) and applications are accepted on an application form which can be downloaded  

Queries and further information required can be dealt with by the Education Co-ordinator. 

 

Contact Details; 

Education Officer ;  Mary Lyne , South Kerry Development Partnership,Caherciveen, Co Kerry Youth Officer ; Mairead O’ Sullivan , South Kerry Development Partnership, Library Place, Killorglin, Co Kerry  

 

Additional Information:

The Learning Support Unit

The South Kerry Learning Support Unit (LSU) is an interagency collaboration with a key aim to provide a coordinated approach to provision of additional learning support services in the South Kerry area. It liaises with schools, parents, learning support professionals and other relevant partners and experts.

The LSU will be sharing resources which are often very expensive and will begin to provide a centralised focus for advice and information to parents and schools

The LSU has a central committee which oversees the work of the local area subgroups.

The local LSU plans joint initiatives and works together to help provide a more coordinated

service to parents and schools.

It oversees the work of the Families and Computers in Education project ( FACE)  

It has also produced the brochures and resource packs of information on ADD/ ADHD and on other learning conditions.

Combined with this, it is planned to have appropriate sessions for parents and professionals on conditions affecting learning.

 

Structure of the South Kerry Learning Support Unit

 

 

 

 Additional Information

1. Education and Training – Aims and Objectives

To support participation in education and training opportunities for life-long learning and development by raising awareness, identifying needs and providing access throughout the area.

 

Key Strategies and Actions

 

Outcome 1

1. Identify the education and training needs of, and provide programmes to, individuals and businesses in South Kerry.

a)      Provide supports for disadvantaged 3^rd Level and Further Education students

b)      Provide capacity building training to community groups in South Kerry

c)      Provide capacity building training to businesses in South Kerry

d)      Provides supports for the development of training facilities.

e)      Provide personal development training opportunities to individuals.

 

Outcome 2

2. Work with schools and agencies to improve outcomes for young people at risk

a)      Provide supports for disadvantaged pre-school, primary and post-primary pupils.

b)      Provide supports for early school leavers.

c)      Provide supports to schools on issues relating to disadvantaged pupils

Outcome 3

3. Work with communities and agencies to raise awareness of, and address mental health and substance misuse issues through education and training

a)      Pilot, and demonstrate the need for, projects on issues of mental health and substance misuse, while linking communities and schools.

b)      Stage awareness raising activities across South Kerry.

 

Outcome 4

4. Support and strengthen the family unit to encourage child well-being.

a)      Work with parents to create an awareness of the need to support and encourage their children.

b)      Work with schools and agencies to provide joint information sessions and initiatives for parents.

 

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