My name is Austin Phiri, and I am a PhD student at Dublin City University. My journey to higher education began at the Adult Education Service Finglas, an experience that changed my life. As a school leaver, I found the path back to education unclear. I enrolled at the Adult Education Service Finglas, where I completed several QQI Level 5 modules, including: Human Growth and Development, Spreadsheet Methods, Interculturalism, Social Studies, Text Production and Philosophy. The learning environment provided the perfect foundation for my future success. A pivotal moment in my journey was meeting Karen Granville, the Adult Education Guidance Counsellor. Karen helped me realise that pursuing higher education as a mature student was a tangible goal. She supported me through every stage of the process from identifying resources and crafting my college application to navigating funding applications and mastering university interviews. I was accepted into the B.Sc. in Marketing, Innovation and Technology at Dublin City University. After completing a subsequent taught Master’s, I am now pursuing my PhD. None of these achievements would have been possible without the Adult Education Service Finglas. I am incredibly grateful to the service for helping me realise my potential and turn my academic dreams into a reality.
Austin Phiri
Social Studies QQI level 5: I hadn't studied or done an exam in a long time so the Social Studies course was a great way to do this and test my ability and skills. The course was all about sociology and how it was first defined and how it's used in everyday life. We all had personal life experiences to share amongst each other so we could all relate to each other. I felt very comfortable in the centre where the course took place and with my tutor and classmates. I spoke to Jacqui (Guidance Information Officer) who was very helpful in finding a good fit for me after the Social Studies course was finished. My tutor was brilliant. She made me feel totally comfortable with any questions or worries I had. She was very friendly and made the course content interesting and fun.
Karen Campbell
Learner, City of Dublin FET College, Finglas and Cabra
Social Studies QQI level 5: I enjoyed meeting and being motivated by fellow adult students, some older than me. I learned about the great Irish society, it's challenges and it's diversity, and how to have mutual respect for each other. We learned about interpersonal communication and the importance of team work. I did exceptionally well in my final exam, that motivated me a lot. The Guidance Service did a priceless presentation in class on further studies, progression routes and some useful links. A special thank you to the friendly management and staff of Finglas Adult Education Centre. To my dear tutor Rebbecca Callaghan, who is a very awesome communicator, smart, motivating and always cheerful to everybody
Herbert Valantini
Learner, City of Dublin FET College, Finglas and Cabra
Human Growth and Development and Social Studies QQI level 5: I enjoyed the open discussions about the course content and being valued for my opinions. I learned that everyone can have a different outlook on things and can give a different perspective on the same topic. I gained confidence in my abilities and encouragement from staff and tutors. The course helped me be realistic about my options. The Guidance Service told me about local colleges and directed me to a readiness for work course. The friendly and knowledgeable staff made all the difference along with their encouragement
Neil McDonald
Learner, City of Dublin FET College, Finglas and Cabra
A very big thank you for this opportunity to visit TU Dublin. It was a unique and helpful experience for me. By the way, a million thanks to the entire adult education team, it helped me integrate into the community much easier and I am no longer afraid to speak English with people. Thank you once again and thousands of appreciation to all of you!
Para
English Language level 5 student, Learner, City of Dublin FET College, Finglas and Cabra
English Language QQI level 4 and level 5: I enjoyed being part of the English speaking community, which encouraged me to speak English more and increase my vocabulary and grammar. I learned to be tolerant and to accept everyone with their individual opinions and beliefs. The Guidance staff informed me exactly where I can do different courses. I believe that the most important figure in the course is the teacher. I was lucky to have Ken O’Duffy, who was good at encouraging his students to explore the English language world and he explained the grammar perfectly
Dzheylyan Eneva
Learner, City of Dublin FET College, Finglas and Cabra
Animal Welfare QQI level 4 I really enjoyed learning new things and not feeling too much pressure. It was a nice, relaxed atmosphere I learned a lot about animal nutrition and behavior and the 5 freedoms. I learned new things about different types of animals. I love pigeons and horses My teacher Maria was extremely nice and patient with us all and helped us a lot. I feel that the adult education centre in Finglas should be able to run the Animal Welfare level 5 for the students who have successfully passed the level 4. The main reason we done so well was because Maria was such a good tutor and I don't think we will get another tutor with so much patience.
Anonymous
Learner, City of Dublin FET College, Finglas and Cabra
Information Technology Course: Our tutor was very attentive to all the students and explained the material very clearly, despite the fact that the students were from different countries. We learned about Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Our classmates were very friendly and we helped each other. The staff are very attentive and kind attitude towards students. There is a kitchen where you can relax while enjoying coffee or tea. It is also possible to use a computer. The teachers sometimes conduct interesting and educational excursions.
Liudmila Shvets
Learner, City of Dublin FET College, Finglas and Cabra
I met Karen quite a few times and found the sessions extremely helpful. I felt much more confident about my university application. I applied to UCD, Sociology and Social Justice full time degree at UCD (application successful). I required knowledge about hidden entry requirements.
Angie Sheridan
Learner, City of Dublin FET College, Finglas and Cabra
English Language: Karen (Guidance Counsellor) gave me ideas and guidance for my future career. I am more confident and I have a plan. I feel more settled.
Alexandra Lazu
Learner, City of Dublin FET College, Finglas and Cabra
Painting, Driver Theory & Photography: I am truly grateful for this service and for all the support I received. I did the painting class, photography and driver theory with Shivaun who was absolutely incredible and helped me pass on the first time. Before starting, I felt very confused and overwhelmed and didn’t know where to begin with my college journey. Karen (Guidance Counsellor) was there for me every step of the way. She was incredibly kind, patient, and understanding and she made the whole process feel possible. Because of her help, I was able to get into college (Theatre Studies in City of Dublin FET College Dhulaigh), and now I am doing really well. Karen’s support meant so much to me, and I honestly couldn’t have done this without her. I appreciate everything she did more than words can say.
Aleksandra Sikorska
Learner, City of Dublin FET College, Finglas and Cabra
Human Growth and Development QQI Level 5 module: I did the Human Growth and Development module which helped me decide which route to take. Karen (Guidance Counsellor) helped me with my college application forms and matched me up with a course that was suitable for me at the time. Karen and Maria (my tutor) were very helpful and the course gave me a starting point for getting back on my feet. I ended up getting into the Trinity College Mature Student Foundation course (TAP). I would really recommend it.
Jasmin Adams
Learner, City of Dublin FET College, Finglas and Cabra
Maths for Trades, QQI Level 4: I'm thrilled to have taken “Maths for Trades” as a foundation for my educational journey. This qualification gave me the confidence to use my previous education to apply to college through the CAO and secure a place in an engineering degree program.
Tshimologo Calister Gaboipewe
Learner, City of Dublin FET College, Finglas and Cabra
