To Download an English Language version of the application form please click Application Form Tom McBride 2014
Chun cóip Gaeilge don foirm a fháil cliceáil le do thoil ar Application Form 2014 Tom McBride Gaeltacht
CLOSING DATE: 5pm on Friday 12th September, 2014
Applications are now being sought by the South Kerry Development Partnership through the Tom McBride Education Bursary fund from people interested in getting a second chance at education. The fund, which is named in honour of a previous chairman of SKDP, is funded through the Local Community Development Programme administered by SKDP and is targeted at giving assistance to those in disadvantaged areas to get back into education.
The fund is targeted in particular at people on low incomes, those who are socially & economically disadvantaged, people with disabilities, those engaged in seasonal work or lone parents. SKDP Education co-ordinator Julieann Lane pointed out that the fund can cover both direct costs such as course fees as well as indirect costs such as travel, childcare and the costs of books. Last year almost 40 people received assistance in getting a second chance at education through the bursary.
Angela Healy from Killarney who benefited through the fund last year to undertake a degree course in French and Spanish said that without the assistance received through the bursary, she would not have been able to do the course. The course brought additional benefits for Angela given that because she achieved a distinction in both subjects, she secured a scholarship to undertake further study in Spain and will now progress into her second year in 2014. Angela said that getting this qualification will greatly enhance her employment prospects including enabling her to teach these languages.
The courses or training eligible for the fund must be accredited nationally and must be seen to improve the employment prospects of the person undertaking the course. However funding may be provided for non accredited courses where a specific prospect of work exists for the person on completion of the course. Expenses covered by another source of funding are not eligible for grant assistance and those applying must be living in the South Kerry area. A percentage of the bursary is allocated specifically to applicants from the South Kerry Gaeltacht area.
“The importance of education in terms of securing employment is one that cannot be overstated” according to Julieann and this fund can greatly assist people to gain qualifications that can greatly improve their chances of getting into the workforce. Julieann also pointed out that both full and part time courses are covered by the bursary but that people must apply annually for funding where a course is more than 1 year in duration.
The closing date for completed applications is 5pm on Friday, September 12th and application forms are available to download from the SKDP website www.skdp.net or they can be collected from the reception at any of the SKDP Offices in Cahersiveen, Killorglin, Killarney or Kenmare. People can also contact Julieann directly by e-mail [email protected] or by phoning 066 9761615.
