Knocknaheeny centre turns 30

Past and present students and staff of the Youthreach Education Centre in Knocknaheeny took a trip down memory lane recently.

They joined together to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the centre, which is under the auspices of Cork Education and Training Board and opened in September 1989.

For the past thirty years the centre has catered for 16-20 year olds from the Knocknaheeny, Churchfield, Gurranabraher and Farranree areas, allowing them to avail of a second chance in education.

John Fitzgibbons, Director of Further Education and Training, Cork ETB said: “Over the past thirty years, the centre has become an integral part of the community and has formed strong links with local employers and other community groups. The centre provides vital support and training to early school leavers to enable them to progress to further education and employment.”

A commemorative plaque was unveiled by Ray McCarthy, former principal of Terence MacSwiney Community College, at a celebration which commemorated the thirty-year anniversary of the centre.

On average, the centre works with 30 students from the community each year and approximately 500 students have attended the centre since it opened.

The Youthreach Education Centre provides pathways to PLC college courses, further training, and employment.

1989 – Opening of Youthreach Centre in the Community Centre at Terence MacSwiney Community College

1991 – First year of students sitting the Junior Certificate

1992 – Introduction of a computer room

1996 – First progression of students to a PLC college

1997 – First Youthreach Advocate appointed

2001 – Centre relocates from the Community Centre to its current location in Terence MacSwiney Community College

2007 – First resource teacher appointed

2014 – Introduction of first counsellor at the centre

2017 – Healthy Living Programme introduced

2018 – Pieta House Amber Flag awarded in recognition of the centre’s environment of supporting mental wellbeing