Athenry Community Information Technology Centre

             By Louise Houlihan

Source : Athenry A,D.C. Publications Athenry Journal No 20 (2005)

Official Opening

The Athenry Community Information Technology Centre was officially opened last September by President of Ireland, Mary McAleese. The centre is situated in the offices of the Athenry Area Development Company (ADC), on Station Road. The project has received significant support and funding from a number of organisations; Galway Rural Development, FAS, Western Health Executive and the local community.

Computer Classes

The Centre has been very well supported by the local community. A wide range of computer classes are on offer to cater for varying standards of competence. Courses run are both certified and non-certified, from complete beginners’ courses to ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) standard. In a state of the art computer suite, qualified tutors work with small groups, a maximum of eight individuals per class. This non-school learning environment enables Tutors to afford more individual attention to participating adults and children alike.

Accreditation

In January, this year the IT Centre status from the certification body of the Irish Computer Society (ICS). ECDL is Europe’s leading IT skills certification, recognising competence in everyday use of computers and the internet. This benchmark accreditation establishes standard for everyone who uses a computer either professionally or personally.

Equalskills

The Equalskills programme Centre received ECDL Test  also an ICS accredited programme is also run at the centre. Equalskills is a fun introduction to computers and the internet, ensuring everyone is part of the Information Society. It is a relatively new qualification that covers computer basics and the internet.

Presentation of Certificates

On 23rd May, Minister Noel Treacy, T.D., Minister for European Affairs and Councillor Peter Feeney, presented certificates to the first graduates from both the Equalskills and ECDL programmes. The following names are the graduates from both courses:

 New Prospectus

Athenry Community Information Technology Centre recently released a new prospectus for courses starting in September. The prospectus outlines both certified and uncertified courses on offer at the centre. Customised courses can be tailored to meet specific needs of business and community groups upon request.