Credit Unions Support Students Through Hard Times with Padraig Pearse Fund

At the launch of the Padraig Pearse Fund were , front from left: Cllr. Jim Finucane, Kerry ETB, Colm McEvoy, Kerry ETB; John Long, Chapter 23 and John O'Regan, Chapter 23 Credit Unions.  Back from left: Ann O'Dwyer,KETB;  Lorcan McLoughlin, Chapter 23;  Helen Courtney-Power, Chapter 23;  Padraig Flynn, Chapter 23;  Suzanne Ennis, Chapter 23; Eoin McDonnell, KETB;  Geraldine Reidy, Chapter 23 and Mairéad Collins, Chapter 23. Photograph:Domnick Walsh Eye Focus
At the launch of the Padraig Pearse Fund were , front from left: Cllr. Jim Finucane, Kerry ETB, Colm McEvoy, Kerry ETB; John Long and John O’Regan, Chapter 23 Credit Unions. Back from left: Ann O’Dwyer,KETB; Lorcan McLoughlin,  Helen Courtney-Power, Padraig Flynn, Suzanne Ennis, Chapter 23; Eoin McDonnell, KETB; Geraldine Reidy and Mairéad Collins, Chapter 23. Photograph:Domnick Walsh Eye Focus

This week, Chapter 23 credit unions announced its sponsorship of the Padraig Pearse Fund to assist adult learners who face financial hardship in completing their post Leaving Cert courses.

The fund is being administrated through Kerry Education and Training Board and will be allocated to those needing additional financial support to complete their chosen courses.

Huge Benefit to Students

“This fund will be a huge benefit to students and adult learners who often face serious financial challenges when returning to fulltime education. We have seen over the past five years that many students drop out over childcare and transport costs.

“The support of Chapter 23 credit unions towards the financing of the Padraig Pearse Fund will help greatly in increasing course completion rates” said Colm McEvoy, CEO Kerry ETB.

Kerry ETB currently offers PLC courses in Tralee and Listowel and a limited number of courses in Cahersiveen and Killarney.

Adult Learners and Students.

PLC courses are offered to 730 adults annually and those who successfully complete the courses achieve a Level 5 or Level 6 QQI Award.

“We were delighted to partner with Kerry ETB in supporting the fund for adult learners and students. The credit union ethos is to be socially responsible and to assist in any way, the support of students to continue in their education is a positive one” said John Long, Chairman, Chapter 23 Credit Union.

Chapter 23 is comprised of the following credit unions: Tralee, Killarney, Listowel, Abbeyfeale, Desmond, Chorca Dhuibhne, Caherciveen, Clanmaurice and Rathmore.

The majority of credit unions offer education or student loans to their members to support their studies. For further information see www.creditunion.ie

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