14 December 2019
By Bryan Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Past and present students and staff of the Youthreach Education Centre in Knocknaheeny joined together this week to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the centre. The centre, which is under the auspices of Cork Education and Training Board, opened in September 1989.
Pictured with the Birthday Cake are, Ray McCarthy, former Principal of Terence MacSwiney Community College, Shirley O’Connor, Youthreach Education Centre Knocknaheeny, Annamarie O’Neill, past pupil, Ashleigh O’Driscoll, current pupil, Orla Butler, Principal Youthreach Education Centre Knocknaheeny and Gillian Beasley, staff Youthreach Education Centre Knocknaheeny
Picture: Jim Coughlan
Pictured unveiling the plaque is Ray McCarthy, former Principal of Terence MacSwiney Community College
Picture: Jim Coughlan
Pictured are, Ted Owens, former CE Cork ETB and Ray McCarthy, former Principal of Terence MacSwiney Community College
Picture: Jim Coughlan
Pictured are, Cllr Tony Fitzgerald, Knocknaheeny Youth Project and Fr. Greg Howard, PP St. Marys On the Hill,
Picture: Jim Coughlan
For the past thirty years the centre has catered for 16 to 20 year olds from the Knocknaheeny, Churchfield, Gurranabraher and Farranree areas, enabling them to avail of a second chance in education. On average, the centre works with 30 students from the community each year and approximately 500 students have attended the centre since it opened. The Youthreach Education Centre provides pathways to PLC college courses, further training, and employment.
John Fitzgibbons, Director of Further Education and Training, Cork ETB said: “Over the past thirty years the centre has become an integral part of the community and has formed strong links with local employers and other community groups. The centre provides vital support and training to early school leavers to enable them to progress to further education and employment.”
Key milestones for Youthreach Education Centre Knocknaheeny
• 1989 – Opening of Youthreach Centre in the Community Centre at Terence MacSwiney Community College
• 1991 – First year of students sitting the Junior Certificate
• 1992 – Introduction of a computer room
• 1996 – First progression of students to a P.L.C College
• 1997 – First Youthreach Advocate appointed
• 2001 – Centre relocates from the Community Centre to its current location in Terence MacSwiney Community College
• 2007 – First Resource Teacher appointed
• 2014 – Introduction of first Counsellor at the centre
• 2017 – Healthy Living Programme introduced
• 2018 – Pieta House Amber Flag awarded in recognition of the centre’s environment of supporting mental wellbeing
A commemorative plaque was unveiled by Mr. Ray McCarthy, former Principal of Terence MacSwiney Community College at the celebration to commemorate the thirty-year anniversary of the centre.