This case study relates to a project funded by the Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning as part of its Youth Employment Initiative element. This is one example of a project funded under the SICAP.

 

Jonathan joined the Challenger programme when he was in 6th class. He is from a family of four in Darndale. Neither of his parents progressed to third level education but Jonathan and his older brother have become the first generation of his family to do so.

After his Leaving Certificate, Jonathan left the Challenger programme as he progressed to study Irish and History in UCD. He now receives financial support through the Partnership Fund to help him with the cost of attending college.

Once he completes his BA degree in Irish and History, he plans to apply to do a post-graduate diploma with Marino Institute of Education so that he can become a primary school teacher.

On his time with Challenger, Jonathan says that:

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.

We have a lot of fun when we’re together, we learn a lot but the stress isn’t really on learning, it feels more like having fun.

In University, he now receives support from the Partnership Fund, and says:

The Partnership helps me with bus tickets and because UCD is so far away they’ve been excellent to me. I think without them it would be a struggle to get there and it would be a struggle in the house so it’s really helped me to get to college…it’s the little things that really help.

Jonathan

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