Courses
ATU celebrates graduates of the Certificate in Community Development Practice
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has celebrated the achievements of graduates from the Certificate in Community Development Practice at a special Minor Awards Ceremony held on its Donegal Letterkenny campus.
The Department of Early Education and Social Studies, working in partnership with Access and Widening Participation and supported by the ATU’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Team, hosted the event to mark the completion of the first ATU delivery of the Certificate in Community Development Practice.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Nigel McKelvey, Head of the Department of Early Education and Social Studies, said:
“This programme is a wonderful example of how collaboration between our departments, Access and Widening Participation, and community partners can open new educational pathways. The learners we celebrate today have shown real commitment to their communities and to lifelong learning.”
Rory McMorrow, Student Services Manager, added:
“The Certificate in Community Development Practice was developed in direct response to what community groups told us they needed. Today’s event reflects that shared effort an inclusive, practical, and community-based approach to education in action.”
Ann Friel, Primary Healthcare Coordinator from Donegal Travellers Project who was key to the development of the programme, said:
As we celebrate the graduate’s success today we must look ahead . The next step is about ensuring that Traveller, Roma and BME students are not only welcome into higher education but they are supported and able to progress into further study and employment Real inclusion takes root through systems of opportunity, participation and outcomes. This collaboration stands as the proof of what is possible when institutions and communities work side by side with a shared commitment to equality and inclusion
Dr Sharon McLaughlin, EDI Lead, said:
“It’s been a privilege to support this celebration and to see such strong representation from Traveller, Roma, and minority communities. Today’s event truly reflects ATU’s commitment to inclusion in practice.”
The programme’s rollout in Donegal originated with a request from community group representatives during an Access and Widening Participation information session on entry routes to education held in November 2023. Following that engagement, discussions between community groups, Access and Widening Participation, and the Department of Environmental Humanities and Social Sciences (Mayo) paved the way for the programme’s delivery locally.
Originally developed and AIEB-accredited by the Department of Environmental Humanities and Social Sciences, the Certificate forms part of the Community Development and Youth Work programmes offered in Mayo. For the Donegal delivery, the Department of Early Education and Social Studies led on local implementation to ensure academic alignment and community access.
Photo caption: ATU graduates of the Certificate in Community Development Practice held at ATU Donegal Letterkenny Campus
Ivana Hanjs
Communications Officer
Tel: +353 89 963 9559
