THIS week, Chapter 23 credit unions have announced its sponsorship of the Padraig Pearse fund to assist adult learners who face financial hardship in completing their post Leaving Cert courses.

The fund is being administrated through Kerry Education and Training Board and will be allocated to those needing additional financial support to complete their chosen courses.

“This fund will be a huge benefit to students and adult learners who often face serious financial challenges when returning to fulltime education. We have seen over the past five years that many students drop out over childcare and transport costs.  The support of Chapter 23 credit unions towards the financing of the Padraig Pearse Fund will help greatly in increasing course completion rates” stated Colm McEvoy, CEO Kerry ETB.

Kerry ETB currently offer PLC courses in Tralee and Listowel, and limited number of courses in Cahersiveen and Killarney . PLC courses are offered to 730 adults annually and those who successfully complete the courses achieve a Level 5 or Level 6 QQI Award.

John Long, Chairman, Chapter 23 Credit Union said; “we were delighted to partner with Kerry ETB in supporting the fund for adult learners and students. The credit union ethos is to be socially responsible and to assist in any way, the support of students to continue in their education is a positive one” he concluded.

Chapter 23 is comprised of the following credit unions: Tralee, Killarney Listowel, Abbeyfeale, Desmond, Chorca Dhuibhne, Listowel, Caherciveen, Clanmaurice and Rathmore. The majority of credit unions offer education or student loans to their members to support their studies. For further information see www.creditunion.ie.