LIT - Access Service

Primary Level Initiatives

LIT Education Initiative in association with St Munchin’s Family Resource Centre

During the academic year 2006 – 2007 the LIT Access Service began working in partnership with St. Munchin’s Family Resource Centre.

St. Munchin's Family Resource Centre is situated in St. Munchin’s parish which extends to include the local authority housing areas of Kileely, Ballynanty and Thomondgate which is situated in the heart of the north side designated RAPID area in Limerick.

St. Munchin’s is similar to other disadvantaged communities in that social exclusion (resulting from several contributing factors) continues to marginalise minority groups, thus increasing the socio-economic gap between rich and poor. Based on statistics gathered from the 2002 Census, the overall population of the parish is 6,109, of which 17% are under the age of 24 years. 27% are lone parents. Figures show that the majority left school after primary or lower secondary level, with 79% having completed by the age of 16 years.

Limerick Institute of Technology has embedded in its mission statement the pivotal role that it can play in the economic and socio-cultural development of our region. LIT is continuously striving to create new partnerships and develop new initiatives towards achieving equity of access for the under represented learner in higher education.

By working in partnership with St. Munchin’s the LIT Access Service coordinated a programme which targets primary school children with academic potential from backgrounds where there is little tradition of third-level education. The aspiration of this programme is that it will positively inspire, challenge and assist these children in their personal development and social integration skills.

The children engaged in a wide range of activities facilitated by staff across the Institute. Academic activities engaged the children with the School of Art & Design, School of Engineering, School of Business and Humanities and the School of the Built Environment. Non academic activities were hosted by staff in the Library and the Radio Station.

The programme also included an opportunity for the children to participate in sporting and fun activities which included a Tag-Rugby Match, Pool in the Games Room, a Karaoke Party and a Table Quiz Competition.

For further information please contact access@lit.ie

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Primary Level Initiatives

LIT Education Initiative in association with St Munchin’s Family Resource Centre