Some of the leading figures in education and training from across Ireland are attending a two-day conference in Gartan Outdoor Education and Training Centre both today and tomorrow.
Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB) are hosting the gathering of 70 Executives from ETBs throughout the country, and from the headquarters of ETB Ireland in Naas.
Those attending the Joint Conference of ETBI, ETB Chief Executives and Directors includ the Chief Executives of the 16 ETBs and their three Directorships – Schools, Further Education and Training and Organisation Support and Development.
Anne McHugh, Chief Executive of Donegal ETB, said it’s an honour for Donegal to welcome the group: “The Education and Training Boards are responsible for a large proportion of the country’s second-level schools. Donegal ETB manages 15 of the 27 Schools in the County, as well as youth services, adult education and what used to be FÁS training services which together are now known as Further Education and Training (FET). These ETBs are very significant organisations in their areas and in education and training generally.”
On the agenda over the two days are sessions on team-building, governance, ‘big ticket items’ within education and training and communications.
There are also be team-building activities facilitated on the 87 acre site at Gartan Outdoor Education and Training Centre, which is itself part of Donegal ETB.
Anne McHugh added: “Gartan is a wonderful place and we hope it will inspire the ETB leaders as they plan for the future. For us, it’s a chance to showcase what Donegal has to offer in terms of its beautiful environment, food and hospitality. We aim to get them back to experience more.”
There will be dinner for the conference group at Gartan tonight and entertainment, including classical musicians Victor Yélamo (cello) and Orsi Szabo-Yélamo (violin). Both are tutors with the music arm of Donegal ETB, the Donegal Music Education Partnership.
