The Challenger Programme is a project that provides supports for children and parents throughout secondary school helping students transfer from 6th class, preparing them for the Junior Certificate and work towards completing their Leaving Certificate.
As part of the programme Jonathan received a range of supports including public speaking lessons, visits to third level colleges, a Gaeltacht scholarship, grinds in exam years and guidance meetings on subject choices and third level options.
When I first started I would have been a really enclosed student, with a big shell around me but participating in Challenger would have given me a lot of confidence with people. Public speaking was one of the courses we did together and that was really helpful. While there is a big emphasis on education and getting people in disadvantaged areas to go to college and to help them progress, it’s a fun programme as well.
After his Leaving Certificate, Jonathan left the Challenger programme and progressed to study Irish and History in UCD and now receives financial support through the Partnership Fund.
Once he completes his BA, Jonathan plans to apply to do a post-graduate diploma with Marino Institute of Education and become a primary school teacher.
