‘There are many opportunities awaiting you’, learners told

Carrickmacross Youthreach graduates are looking to the future with renewed confidence.

Last week the centre, located in the landmark former Ulster Bank building on Main Street, boasted a wonderful atmosphere for the happy occasion.

While secondary schools have students, Youthreach has learners. Youthreach, as committee member Joe McGrath pointed out, is equivalent to passing a Leaving Cert, putting learners on an equal footing with their peers who completed their final school exams.

In fact, each of the five Carrickmacross Youthreach graduates of the Class of 2026 has secured a place in Monaghan Institute.

School isn’t for everyone and Youthreach, run under the umbrella of Cavan Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB), is often seen as a “second chance” at education. However, for Coordinator Bernie Duffy, Carrickmacross Youthreach is a place of firsts – where learners discover self-confidence.

The graduation ceremony was held in the craft room, where all of the learners’ work was on display, from woodwork projects to paintings. It’s clear that Carrickmacross Youthreach is a place where creativity is encouraged to flourish. This is due in no small part to the creativity of the staff, Centre Coordinator Bernie Duffy, Orla Ruxton, Resource Person/Art Teacher and Mary Lynch, Communications and IT Teacher. A shout out also went to former staff Eimhin Farrell, Art Resource and Michelle McConville, who taught Maths and prepared learners for work experience locally.

“This year, we’ve had experiences in graffiti art, hot yoga, Lego building, theatrical make-up, mental health workshops and trips to places such as Dublin Zoo, Butler’s Chocolates and Emerald Park. These experiences along with many others throughout the year, help to build confidence, develop new skills and create lasting memories,” Ms Duffy explained.

Earlier this year, Carrickmacross Youthreach was one of the first centres in the country to take a group of learners abroad as part of the Erasmus Plus programme: “We had four days in Spain. It was a fantastic experience and demonstrated exactly what can happen when young people are given opportunities, encouragement and support,” Bernie added.

A member of the graduating class, Tom Farrell said: “I’m really glad I joined Youthreach and that I’ve completed my QQI level IV. I will always remember the fun times and the friendships that I’ve made here. I would also like to thank the staff.”

Holly Winters said: “I just joined Youthreach this year in February, having dropped out of school twice. Youthreach has given me the opportunity to grow and become more confident in myself and my abilities, thanks to all the staff and students here in the centre.”

Joe McGrath congratulated the learners on their achievements, encouraging them to walk tall: “Level IV QQI is a very challenging exam to get, it is equivalent to pass Leaving Cert, so it puts you on par with any student in any second level school anywhere in Ireland.

I congratulate the five graduating on getting a place in Monaghan Institute this year, also a CMETB school.”

Mr McGrath noted that Youthreach Carrickmacross had a centre inspection recently, which it passed with flying colours. Inspectors found that it offered a very broad curriculum and that learners were highly engaged with the local community.

CMETB Chairperson Aprilanna Barker encouraged the learners to have confidence in themselves, stating that when she was offered the position of Chair, she didn’t think she could do it. She encouraged learners to “embrace the feeling of fear, because that is how we grow. It is completely natural to feel worried, when you push the wee niggle of doubt down, you will achieve things you never knew you were capable of.”

Dr Linda Pinkster, Director of Further Education and Training, said it was important to celebrate milestones, noting that this was the first Youthreach class to have started and finished in the new centre.

She reflected that it might be scary not knowing what was ahead of them, but she encouraged the Class of 2026 to remember how far they had come already: “There are many opportunities awaiting you, none of us know what’s ahead, but think of when you started in Youthreach.

You didn’t know where it would take you and what opportunities it would bring your way. But here you are today graduating with your full award.”

The Carrickmacross Youthreach Class of 2026, who are proceeding on to Monaghan Institute with QQI Level IV awards are: Tom Farrell, Daniel Antons, Kieran Ward, Ronan Ward and Tírna Hardy.

Carrickmacross Youthreach centre also has house awards recognising the impact students make during their two years with the programme: Best Attender: Sami Ullah; Rising Potential: Dylan Brady; Crafty Hands: Daniels Antons; Most Artistic: Shannon O’Halloran; Personal Growth: Ronan Ward; Most Improved Learner: Tom Farrell and: Learner of the Year: Kieran Ward.

It was a joyous occasion, with families in attendance to celebrate the successes of graduates and learners alike.

“Due to the nature of early school leaving, Carrickmacross Youthreach accepts enrolments year-round,” the co-ordinator told the Celt.