With a renewed focus on how vital community organisations are after the Celtic tiger culture of individualism,  two recent graduates of BA (Hons) Degree in Community Studies at Letterkenny IT,  talk about why they choose to put community first and why they’re encouraging others to do the same.

Gerard Moynes always had a strong sense of community and hails from Inishowen, spending 25 years delivering coal he was often privy first hand to the issues which people faced at different stages of their lives. “When you’re visiting people’s homes you get to know them very well, you see life playing out in front of you from life to death. It makes you realise how important a strong community is. There are so many good people who do so much.”

Gerard has just graduated with a Degree in Community Studies, returning to education having spent his life running a business, he says he chose the degree because it was a subject of great interest. “I feel the course gave me a greater understanding of what I already knew. It showed me how to apply this knowledge to community organisations.”

“My experience at school wasn’t a great one and I left without any real qualification. Some of the motivation to return to education was to give an example to my children. “

I was a little bit daunted by the idea of returning to the classroom, especially on the writing aspect, however it has been a very positive experience. The people in the class were a real mixed bag, some with qualifications others like myself with none. That didn’t matter, there was so much respect and we all learned from each other.”

He describes the process as a “brilliant experience” and one which is unique because of the way the course is structured.

“Much of it is centred around the community and addresses real issues.  It makes it very real and rewarding. Things like good governance is essential for community organisations. I found that I was able to challenge things in a very positive way and give the reasons why. A few years ago I couldn’t have done that.”

Would he recommend the BA Degree in Social and Community Enterprise? “Definitely, it’s for anyone who is interested in community and also may want to return to education it gives you the confidence to recognise your skills. Education opens up a whole new path; it really is a journey... which will continue.”

Gerard is about to begin a Masters at the University of Ulster, in Peace and Humanitarian Law.

Marie Slevin has been involved in community projects for over 20 years with The Broad Road Association (Convoy) and now works as a coordinator for the Centre for Unemployed in Donegal.

She had completed many different courses linked to community studies so it was a natural step to follow through with the Degree in Community Studies at LYIT. “My daughter had studied the Degree 6 years beforehand and was convinced that I would really enjoy it. Whilst I had studied various subjects here and there, I felt it would be good if I had a degree in community subjects.”

Marie didn’t finish her Leaving Certificate and was a bit apprehensive about returning to education.  “From the first lecture I was hooked,” says Marie, “ the subjects and the style of teaching really suited me.  The tutors were really excellent. Everyone was so helpful and supportive,  there were great discussions in the classroom about the issues. ”

Marie says she got a lot from the course, “I really enjoyed Gender studies and Peace Studies subjects.” She completed her thesis on LGBT (Lesbian Gay BiSexual Transsexual) groups and as a result now runs regular meetings targeting this group. 

So who would benefit from this degree? “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.”

“Bottom line, I learned an awful lot and I got great confidence from doing the degree.”

Dr Lynn Ramsay LYIT concludes that, “The Degree in Social and Community Enterprise explores a range of issues relating to social and community enterprise.  It’s really about equipping the students with the skills to create social value within their communities, business, non-profit and the public sector.  It can be studied on a part time basis.”

To find out more or to reserve a place this semester visit lyit.ie or contact Lynn Ramsay 074 9186204.