Skellig CRI provides exciting study options in an inspiring locality...
THE Skellig Centre for Research & Innovation (Skellig CRI) in Cahersiveen is a concept that places education and locality in perfect concord.
This project initially began with the Institute Without Boundaries, George Browne Institute in Canada hosting a workshop where Kerry County Council, University College Cork, community stakeholders, subject matter experts and local residents came together to ‘ Imagine Iveragh’. The resulting report recommended the establishment of a higher education facility that would foster collaboration, community building, research and entreprenurial spirit in the Skellig Coast region. This project is part funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
Skellig CRI presents an alternative opportunity for learners wishing to study in an environment rich in inspiration and opportunity.
Run in conjunction with UCC, Kerry County Council and South Kerry Development Partnership, Skellig CRI offers a diverse range of courses to choose from and is well worth considering. For example, a Diploma in Environmental Science and a Diploma in Women’s Studies are among the offerings available. Other study options include 5 credit modules either as standalone credits - or towards a higher qualification – are also available. These modules cover exciting topics like Astronomy, Marine Heritage & Culture, Celtic studies in archaeology, folklore and mythology – all of which are intrinsically linked to the Cahersiveen and South Kerry locale.
Students regularly get to visit Cahersiveen and the Iveragh Peninsula on geography and geology field trips as part of Skellig CRI’s outreach ethos. Additionally, there are currently six different research projects taking place in conjunction with Skellig CRI.
The scope and type of course available is purposely designed to incorporate aspects of the locality’s social life and conservation issues, which are beneficial and rewarding for people with a genuine love for the locality.
Belinda Gascoigne is the Skellig CRI manager and she is based in Cahersiveen Library, which also has its own research room.
Another advantageous component of Skellig CRI is that it uses existing buildings within the locality of the Skellig Coast.
“What we do primarily is help develop a learner’s personal skills and awareness. We also want the public to know what we are about and what’s available to them,” Belinda said.
“They can get in touch with me if they wish to explore their study options.”
Skellig CRI will soon re-start its ‘free learning university’. This allows members of the public access to free lectures which are usually held once a month.
This, in turn, will allow Skellig CRI the opportunity to assess what people are interested in, thus enabling them to modify and create courses that people want. These courses are often, but not exclusively, orientated towards what the surrounding area has to offer.
Belinda added: “People want to know if they can gain employment from what they are learning, and what additional skills and opportunities they may acquire over time.
“Studying at Skellig CRI also provides a social outlet to meet and interact with others, which is valuable in a rural location. People can email me or call to me at the library if they’re interested. I will only be too happy to talk them through their options.” Enrolling in a course with Skellig CRI offers excellent opportunities to study in a rural and friendly environment. For more information contact Belinda at skelligcri@ucc. ie or Call: 087 3751062.