Two of the country’s best known exponents of social change in Ireland and around the world are to speak at Letterkenny Institute of Technology.
Mark McMahon Children in Crossfire will be speaking at a special event on Community and Social Enterprise “ Making Social Change” on 8 November 6.30pm as part of the LYIT’s Adult Learners Open Evening.
Children in Crossfire www.childrenincrossfire.org is an organisation which was set up by Richard Moore who was blinded by a plastic bullet and tackles issues which affect young children as a result of poverty across the world. Tracey Hannon, Clann Credo, which is a social investment fund which supports people in building stronger communities, will also be a guest speaker.
The LYIT is offering a BA Degree in Social and Community Enterprise part time this year, the evening aims to highlight the stories of social enterprises and to show how the degree has helped past graduates.
Speakers will share their experiences on how they’ve applied what they’ve learned to their own organisations.
Dr. Lynn Ramsey, Head of Department of Law & Humanities LYIT explained “There are many misconceptions regarding social and community enterprise, social entrepreneurs are motivated by a cause or fixing an existing social problem and as a result many people benefit from the solution.
“They aren’t motivated by profit or self advancement alone. That doesn’t mean that the best practice principles shouldn’t apply, often these organisations have to be more agile to succeed. That’s what this evening and the degree is about. We’re pleased to have some excellent case studies to show what can be done.”
Marie Slevin, who studied the degree last year and is is Coordinator for the Unemployed Donegal, said the course will be hugely beneficial for those who join.
“I think anyone who works with people, young or old and with community enterprises would get a lot out of it. The subjects are very relevant and topical, especially for Donegal people. It gives you great insight into the particular issues which this region faces. It really opens your mind.”
Marie didn’t finish her Leaving Certificate and was a bit apprehensive about returning to education.
“From the first lecture I was hooked, the subjects and the style of teaching really suited me. The tutors were really excellent. Everyone was so helpful and supportive and there were great discussions in the classroom about the issues. ”
Dr Ramsey added “The BA Degree in Social and Community Enterprise offers a route for those who are currently in or considering working in community or social enterprise and wish to learn new skills such as leadership, management, legal aspects and marketing with an emphasis on community enterprise,”
“It’s specifically designed to offer a framework for students to think in broader terms about their role in society but also to equip them with best practice organisational and communication skills.”
The duration of the programme is four years part-time with six taught modules per year and a thesis in the final year. The programme will be delivered over 9 hours per week for 24 weeks per academic year.
The Social and Community Enterprise degree will be of interest to people who are already contributing to their communities in the business, non-profit and the public sector or are interested in this area. Letterkenny IT will be holding a general Open Evening 8 November, 2011 6-8pm for anyone thinking about returning to education. “Making Social Change” Evening is a special event starting at 6.30pm, 8 November Room 1401. All welcome. Contact Dr. Lynn Ramsey or www.lyit.ie, for more details.
Caption:L-R; Julie Hay, Richard Moore Founder Children in Crossfire, Mark McMahon fund raiser Children in Crossfire who will speaking at the “Making Social Change” Event Tuesday at 6.30pm at LYIT
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