Study Trip to Dublin, Ireland

04.01.2012

The Project Manager of the FOUNDATION FOR SOCIETY Ginta Salmiņa participated in the study trip on the issues of Managing Equality in Changing Times in the VET Sector to Dublin, Ireland on 15 - 18 November 2011 within the framework of the European Union Lifelong Learning Programme. There were participants from 12 European countries: Slovenia, Czech Republic, Germany, Portugal, Denmark, the Netherlands, Turkey, Austria, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, and Latvia.

The theme of the study trip Managing Equality in Changing Times in the VET Sector is also topical in Latvia and there was new knowledge and experience acquired both from the hosting country Ireland and other represented countries about the role of professional education in the struggle against social abandonment.

The institutions visited during the trip provided considerable insight into the opportunities of equal education and social involvement as well as profound knowledge of the education strategy and policy of Ireland which includes involvement in the sphere of professional education and training.

The participants were able to visit both governmental institutions and non-governmental establishments. There were six organizations being visited during the study trip - Equality Authority, Ballymun Job Centre, Youthreach Centre, National Learning Network, Roslyn Park College, and Employment for People from Immigrant Communities. Furthermore, the representatives of two more organizations - Further Education Support Officer and Universal Learning Systems - presented their establishments in the seminar room.

Every representative of each organization provided detailed information on the activity of the represented establishment, achieved results and also presented examples of good practice. Participants had a chance not only to listen to the presentations of leading staff and specialists but also observe learning process, meet the students and take part in several practical classes.

However, the participants represented different countries and organizations each of them faces similar problems and challenges: growing unemployment, budget cuts, lack of motivation in citizens, identifying actual needs of target audience, and provision of appropriate service.

 

© FONDS SABIEDRĪBAI 2009
Address: Raiņa bulvāris 2-3, Rīga
e-mail: info@fondssabiedribai.lv
phone: +371 29299952