EQUAL Ireland is a ‘not-for-profit’ charitable trust formed in 2001 by a collaboration involving IBEC, SIPTU, FAS and Lionra, a higher education network.
We aim to bring adult friendly 3rd level education to people who previously missed the opportunity to gain a degree or higher level of study.
Apart from our friends in Community, Trade Unions and Employers organisations our educational partners are the Technological University of the Shannon (formerly Athlone and Limerick Institutes of Technology) and the Atlantic Technological University (of which the former Letterkenny Institute of Technology is now a part).
We deliver courses online and in local communities at a time and pace that suits adult learners, taking into consideration many of the barriers and commitments that can hinder or prevent them returning to education. There are no traditional exams.
Header Photo: Hildegarde Naughton, TD, Eddie Higgins, Sabina Higgins, Nuala Keher, Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin, Minister David Staunton
The purpose of this position paper is to introduce EQUAL Ireland – its history, current activities and future potential – to those responsible for making or implementing policy in relation to adult learning, enterprise and employment, community development or rural regeneration. It will also be of interest to social entrepreneurs, community and workplace activists, and adult learners.