Networks

The Adult Basic Education Programme is provided through local groups who, in turn, are organised into ten “networks”. Each network is open to all Adult Basic Education providers in the defined locality. Through this mechanism, learners and providers are more involved in the planning of Adult Adult Basic Education Services in the City.

In response to the policy outlined in Learning for Life, White Paper on Adult Education, Networks of community based groups providing Adult Education have been established throughout the city since 2001. There are 10 Area Based Networks in total:

Network area;	Contact name:
City-Centre, City-Wide	Mary Ryder
Knocknaheeny, Hollyhill	Ann Neff
Churchfield, Gurranabraher	Sr. Renee Breslin
Farranree	Ailish Coker
Cathedral, Shandon, Blackpool	John Daly
The Glen	Margo Hayes
Mayfield, Lotamore	Michelle Whoolley
Mahon , Blackrock	Viv Saad
Togher, Ballyphehane	Siobhan O’Dowd
Bishopstown	Norma Creed

For further details contact Denis Barrett, Adult Basic Education Facilitator, Tel. 021 4273377.

In each area the network is an autonomous group, reflecting all interests in Adult Basic Education: co-ordinators, learners, tutors, and providers. Network members reflect the providers in each area including representatives of: Family Centres, Community Development Projects, Adult Literacy Schemes, Home School Community Liaison Centres, and a range of other community based groups active in adult education.

In addition to area based networks there are three network sub-groups of the City-Wide Network who also meet separately to focus on specific areas of interest, identified as priorities in the White Paper:

Network Sub-group focus;	Contact name:
Disability Adult Education	Katherine Dullaghan
Travellers Adult Education	Sandra Brett
New Communities Adult Education	Fr. Steven Cummins

For further details contact Denis Barrett, Adult Basic Education Facilitator, Tel. 021 4273377.

These sub-groups are made up of representatives of organisations who offer adult education opportunities to people within their client groups. The newest of these, the New Communities Adult Education group is made up of representatives of groups who offer English language provision and other adult education opportunities to members of a wide range of immigrant communities now living in Cork.

Each network holds regular meetings, organises joint events and develops area based plans. Networks nominate a representative to the Network Forum and participate in nominating an eligible candidate among its members for election as a Adult Basic Education Representative to the Adult Education Board. Through these mechanisms providers are more involved in the planning of community based adult education services in their area and in the city.