Fetac Awards Night 2011
Senator Michael Mullins as the Guest Speaker at Canal House FETAC Awards Ceremony applauded the excellent outcomes in 2010-2012 achieved by all the learners attending a variety of FETAC programmes in conjunction with personal development programmes provided at the centre. He also stated that the great turnout of over 150 people at Hayden’s Hotel was acknowledgement by the whole town and the local community "sharing in the pride of these achievements" and this was also given recognition by the Mayor of Ballinasloe Town Councillor Michael Kelly who opened proceedings on the night.
The personal story of one learner received a spontaneous applause for his courage and overall achievements. His presentation emphasised the importance of an holistic approach to the whole learning process at Canal House. This approach will be outlined in this Annual Report and as stated in the Connacht Tribune headlines before Christmas 2011 that Canal House gives ‘great value for programmes’.
Our successful year 2010-2011 was due to the hard work of all our staff Phil Warde, Michael Bradley and all our VEC tutors Martin Gavin, Louise Coughlan, Mary Hyde, Mary McDermott, Peggy Lee, Robert Riddell, Pat Harte, Maura Joyce, Tina Kelly, Teresa Herlihy, Mary Greene and volunteer workers Edel Kelly, Ewa Halat, and the work experience students from AIT and LIT Colleges. The positive leadership of the Board of Management and Chairperson Padraig Lawless have given us first class guidance.
Congratulations to all 24 FETAC recipients who worked so well to achieve their nationally recognised awards and the best of luck to our three learners going to full time employment and further training this year. The Individual Learning Plans are reviewed quarterly in conjunction with a two year Individual FETAC plan and this has developed into an excellent approach to delivering positive outcomes in education, training and personal development. Central to this educational approach is the vision of informing, forming and transforming the lives of individuals. This coming year will present a new challenge in adapting to the FETAC requirements with FAS and integrating all in a coherent way with Co. Galway VEC, Probation Service, the Department of Justice and the local community to continue to produce the best value for the learners and for money.