Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB) marked its fifth birthday with tea and cake at its meeting yesterday.
Donegal ETB was formerly known as Co Donegal Vocational Educational Committee (VEC) which had been in existence for the previous 108 years.
On 01 July 2013, Co Donegal VEC became Donegal ETB under the Education and Training Boards Act 2013. Twelve months later, the training function of SOLAS, formally FÁS, transferred to Donegal ETB.
Donegal ETB is now the largest education provider in the county with a total of 26,000 students and learners completing education and training with it in 2017.
It manages 15 out of the 27 post-primary schools in Co Donegal, Gartan Outdoor Education and Training Centre and Donegal Music Education Partnership and has legal responsibilities for youth work. It is also the largest provider of Further Education and Training (FET) in the county with over 11,000 learners completing courses with it in 2017.
Speaking at their meeting yesterday afternoon, Donegal ETB Chief Executive Anne McHugh said, “We are delighted to be marking our fifth birthday. Donegal ETB’s vision is ‘excellence in the delivery of a quality, learner-centred education and training service’ and as the largest education provider in the county at second level, FET, outdoor and music education, we strive to deliver this service to the best of our ability.”
Donegal ETB Chairperson, Cllr Rena Donaghey stated, “I am delighted to be part of Donegal ETB’s birthday celebrations and as Chairperson it gives me great pleasure to be part of this wonderful organisation and see at first-hand how it touches and transforms so many people’s lives.’
Last December Donegal ETB launched its five year Strategy Statement 2017-2021, Lean ar Aghaidh, setting out the its mission over the next five years ‘to promote, provide and support accessible and inclusive education and training which enables young people and adults to empower themselves to reach their full potential in a safe and caring environment’.
A number of priority areas are outlined under three headings – teaching and learning; a progressive, accountable organisation and working with partners.
Further information on Donegal ETB can be found on its website (www.donegaletb.ie) or social media accounts – Facebook/Twitter (@DonegalETB), YouTube (Donegal ETB) and LinkedIn (https://ie.linkedin.com/company/donegaletb).
Donegal ETB Chief Executive Anne McHugh, Chairperson Cllr Rena Donaghy and staff member Eileen Dennison, cutting Donegal ETB’s birthday cake.
