SETU was delighted to welcome participants from the ComMUniversity programme to its Summerhill Road Campus in Wexford to celebrate the successful completion of their studies.
Opening pathways to higher education
ComMUniversity is an innovative community education initiative, developed by Maynooth University, that has been opening pathways to higher education to adults for the past 14 years. Delivered through local libraries, the programme creates a welcoming learning environment where participants can explore university-level subjects, build confidence, and discover new opportunities without the commitment of a full-time course.
This year marked the first collaboration between SETU, Maynooth University and Wexford Local Development to deliver the programme in Enniscorthy Library. Over 21 weeks, a group of 20 learners attended weekly sessions delivered by academic staff from Maynooth University and SETU, with SETU Education Liaison Officer, Katie Murphy, contributing to the programme.
It has been a privilege to work with such an enthusiastic and engaged group of learners. Their curiosity, willingness to challenge themselves and commitment to attending every week has been truly inspiring. Programmes like ComMUniversity show that higher education is for everyone, and we hope this experience has given participants the confidence to continue their learning journey and consider progressing to further or higher education in the future.
Katie Murphy Education Liaison Officer at SETU
SETU is proud to have partnered with Maynooth University, Wexford Local Development and Enniscorthy Library in delivering this initiative. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to widening participation in higher education and ensuring that learning opportunities are accessible within local communities.
The programme supports widening participation and lifelong learning by bringing university learning into communities and creating opportunities for people to engage with higher education in familiar and welcoming settings. For many participants, the programme provides something increasingly rare yet invaluable, an opportunity to come together, exchange experiences and learn from one another. Through partnerships with local libraries such as Enniscorthy and community organisations like Wexford Local Development and SETU the ComMUniversity uses Adult Education methods to create welcoming spaces where learning, conversation and community connection can sit side by side.
Dr Derek Barter Director of the ComMUniversity
Continuing Dr Derek Barter, said, “This year's conversations in the Social Analysis module alone explored topics including politics, social change, artificial intelligence, critical thinking, social exclusion and the lasting impact of the pandemic. The topics emerge from the participants and that’s what makes it real and relevant to people’s lives. It was great to have Donna from Wexford Local Development present at all the sessions as she could direct people to other supports and services if needed.”
Wexford Local Development is delighted to have supported the first ComMUniversity programme in Wexford, made possible through funding from the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, in partnership with SETU, Maynooth University and Enniscorthy Library. SICAP is about removing barriers, building confidence and creating real opportunities for people and communities, and ComMUniversity is a strong example of that work in action.
Clare Ryan Programmes Manager with Wexford Local Development
Donna Spellacey O’Leary, SICAP Client Support Officer with Wexford Local Development, said, “It was a privilege to attend each session and to support the learners throughout their ComMUniversity journey. It was a privilege to watch learners grow in confidence, explore new ideas and begin to see a wider range of possibilities for their future. I look forward to continuing to support participants as they consider their next steps, whether that is further education, training, employment or other personal development pathways.”