Projects can apply to €10m education fund
COMMUNITY education providers in Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim are being given the opportunity to apply for funding for eligible projects under the €10 million Mitigating against Educational Disadvantage Fund 2021. The Fund opened for applications on July 30. The Fund was announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD and is administered by SOLAS (the further education and training authority) and Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB).
The aim of the Fund is to support community education for adult learners across Ireland, who have the highest level of need, with a strong focus on building the digital infrastructure of community education providers to increase the capacity to deliver online learning. The latest phase of the fund is seeking to support projects under three main categories:
• Digital Technologies, where the supply of devices is considered a barrier to learning;
• Learner Assistance, to help, for example, with the cost of books and materials, childcare and essential travel;
• Reach-out and/or Mentoring, for awareness-raising and promoting re-engagement.
In 2020, over 40 community education projects were funded through MSLETB. The projects helped to support online learning, connect communities and provide social supports to the most vulnerable groups.
Commenting on the announcement, Tom Grady CE of MSLETB, said: “As we move towards a wider return to on-site education and training in September, it is critically important that we support our learners and key community stakeholders to deliver as many opportunities as possible in further education and training.
“We are calling on community education providers in Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim to apply for funding through a new phase of the Mitigating against Educational Disadvantage Fund.
“Through the fund, we aim to support community education providers to continue delivering their much-needed services, and to ensure that all sectors of society are remaining connected and supported to continue their learning journeys.”
Peter Egan, Director of Further Education and Training in MSLETB, welcomed the announcement of the 2021 Fund, commenting: “MSLETB delivers a whole range of education and training for all, including to our most disadvantaged learners.
“This fund will enable our community education partners to provide disadvantaged learners with the technology, supports and mentoring they need to engage or re-engage in further education and training.
“I would encourage community education providers to get the application process underway.” Eligibility details and the application form can be accessed on MSLETB’s website https://msletb. ie/news/maedf//
The closing date for submissions is Friday, September 17, at 5pm. Email all queries and/or applications to maed2021@msletb.ie or call 1800 100 100.