Latest news with #DkIT
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Louth father of three outlines how life has changed for the better after return to education thanks to Headstart course
After battling personal challenges, Dean Bradley enrolled in Headstart in 2020, which was delivered entirely online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The support and encouragement he received enabled him to pursue further education: 'The Headstart Programme gave me direction. The team taught me how to go with it, how to stay with it, and really just about resilience.' Dean's perseverance led him to complete multiple Level 5 and Level 6 courses, culminating in his current pursuit of a degree in Social Care at DkIT. He advises others considering the programme to 'Take it day by day and week by week. Don't look at the years. For me, life has really changed for the better.' He is one of a number former participants of the Pathways and Headstar community education programmes, delivered by Dundalk Institute of Technology in partnership with Louth Local Development's SICAP Social Inclusion Programme, who have been sharing their experiences of the courses. Likewise Elizabeth Awosanya, a mother of three, embarked on her educational journey through the Pathways programme before transitioning into Headstart. Now nearing the completion of her degree in Social Care, Elizabeth reflects on her experience, saying 'Pathways helped me build confidence, engage with learning at my own pace, and get a real feel for what higher education might be like in a non-intimidating way. Transitioning into Headstart deepened my readiness for third-level education and mentally and practically prepared me for the challenges of college life.' Elizabeth's journey illustrates the programmes' ability to provide a solid foundation for those returning to education, fostering both academic readiness and personal growth. Their views are shared by Laure Nzia Djakou, who has just completed her second year studying International Tourism and Management at DkIT. Having previously struggled to balance third-level education with other life commitments, the mother of three found renewed motivation and support through these programmes: 'The programmes were designed for people like me—mature students who needed a bit of encouragement and guidance. The supportive environment and the opportunity to build my confidence were exactly what I needed.' Laure now envisions a future where she can pursue a Masters degree or contribute to the tourism industry, all while managing her family commitments. The success of the Pathways and Headstart programmes was recognised recently DkIT was awarded €1 million in performance funding. The programmes were launched by DkIT in partnership with Louth Local Development n 2017 and 2018 with the aim of improving access to higher education for underrepresented groups in County Louth, including low-income households, ethnic minorities, refugees, asylum seekers, the long-term unemployed, lone parents, and individuals with disabilities or mental health issues. Pathways offered a 14-week introductory course in local community centres, providing a supportive environment for adults to experience higher education without the pressure of assignments. Headstart, a 10-week follow-up programme delivered on the DkIT campus, focused on building participants' self-confidence and academic skills, such as study techniques, time management, and career guidance. Graduates from these programmes have gone on to pursue degrees in various fields, including Social Care, Nursing, and Creative Media, and many have secured employment opportunities. Since 2017, a total of 325 students have graduated from the programmes. For the individuals taking part, both Pathways and Headstart have literally been life changing. The beneficiaries of the initiative have included people with disabilities, long term unemployed, migrants, one parent and low-income families, people with addiction issues, teenage parents, refugees, Irish Travellers, young people in the care of the State, youth attending Youthreach or similar programmes, student carers, 'second chance' mature learners, those in the criminal justice system, and people who are homeless. The next Headstart course starts on Wednesday September 3, 2025 and runs every Wednesday for ten weeks. Anyone interested in registering should email or call 0877462507.
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Irish Independent
DkIT goes purple to raise awareness of Domestic Violence
The event was hosted by the RiVeR Project in DkIT in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, Dundalk and DkIT's Students Union. It was fantastic to have representatives from the Dundalk Gardaí on campus to highlight the importance of raising awareness around this issue. DkIT has a strong reputation in supporting awareness around Domestic Abuse. The DkIT RiVeR Project is responding to the impacts of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence through research, education and training. The RiVeR Project Lead Dr. Kathleen Nallen said 'The RiVeR Project is delighted to partner with RESPECT #DkIT, students union DkIT and An Garda Síochána for the annual 'Go Purple Day' to create awareness of Domestic Abuse. It is wonderful to have such support from staff and students across the campus for this really important initiative. In promoting the agenda of zero tolerance of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, the RiVeR Project recently launched its 'Insights into Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence' Podcast series. It features conversations with experts, advocates and victim/survivors of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and is available on the RiVeR Project website and LinkedIn page, DkIT YouTube channel and Spotify'. DkIT is committed to creating an inclusive and safe environment for everyone in their educational community, they endeavour to do this through ongoing training and support around Gender Based Violence that empowers all their students and staff. In November, DkIT was one of the 16 Higher Education Institutes involved in an annual national campaign for the international UN 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. During last year's 16 Days of activity, DkIT was also pleased to publish their Domestic Violence leave Policy for all employees.
RTÉ News
6 days ago
- Science
- RTÉ News
Dundalk IT and Maynooth University launch new partnership
Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) and Maynooth University (MU) have launched a new partnership with the aim of advancing higher education in the region. The Regional Graduate Academy (RGA) will see PhD students being taught and supervised in Dundalk but being awarded their PhD by the university. Students will be jointly registered in both DkIT and MU and undertake a structured PhD programme. The PhD programmes currently on offer fall into six disciplinary areas: computer science; biology; environmental science; electronic engineering (renewables); applied social sciences; and media studies. There are 16 post-graduate students enrolled in the first year of the MU-DkIT RGA. This number is expected to grow over the coming years, particularly following recent successful funding applications. The launch of the RGA marks the first milestone in the strategic collaboration between DkIT and MU after both third-level institutes signed a letter of intent in June of last year. Those involved have said the initiative aims to identify new ways the two institutes can collaborate for the benefit of students, academic staff and the wider community. In addition to the establishment of the RGA, DkIT and MU have said they developing collaborations in other areas, including research and innovation, student experience initiatives, and the potential provision of MU awards to DkIT Level 8 and 9 students. 'New kind of partnership' Maynooth University President Professor Eeva Leinonen said the MU-DkIT RGA represents a new kind of partnership between third-level institutes. Prof Leinonen said: "DkIT is a natural partner for Maynooth University, with complementary strengths and a shared commitment to regional impact and research excellence. "Together, we are building a collaborative model of doctoral education that is rooted in place, shaped by purpose, and driven by ambition - delivering real benefits for our students, our communities, and the broader research ecosystem." Meanwhile, Dr Diarmuid O'Callaghan, President of Dundalk Institute of Technology, said: "Our first cohort of students are already making their marks on the research landscape. "This collaboration is a wonderful opportunity for each institution to showcase its individual strengths and explore together how we can strategically develop to serve our regions. "Through our shared values, unique offerings and collective commitment to regional partnership and collaboration, I have high aspirations for the future opportunities it will bring for our students, enterprise and everyone in the shared region," Dr O'Callaghan added. Dr Alan Wall, the CEO of the Higher Education Authority, said the body is committed to supporting the strategic development of higher education institutions. He said: "Provision was made in the Technological Sector Advancement Fund (TSAF) for institutions to explore strategic collaborations that are aligned with national and regional policies and priorities. "It very encouraging to see the progress made by DkIT and Maynooth University on the Regional Graduate Academy, and this initiative is an important milestone in the strategic engagement of these higher education institutions. "The MU-DkIT Regional Graduate Academy is a tangible example of how collaboration can enhance Ireland's higher education and research system locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally," Dr Wall said. Meanwhile, speaking at the launch event this morning, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless said the RGA marks a new and significant phase of collaboration between two "strong" institutions. He said: "This partnership is to be commended. It reflects a shared commitment to building research capacity, strengthening ties with enterprise, and supporting the development of local communities, while enhancing the national research and innovation ecosystem. "I welcome that this initiative has been supported by my Department through the HEA and the Technological Sector Advancement Fund. It demonstrates what can be achieved when we invest in talent, partnership, and regional development," the minster added.
Agriland
26-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
DkIT students represent Ireland at AgriNext competition
Seven students from the third year of the bachelor of science in Sustainable Agriculture programme at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) represented Ireland at the AgriNext 'Dream Job = Green Job' video trailer competition which took place in Cordoba, Spain recently. Lauren Acheson, Katie Cooney, Chantelle Ging, Keva Keogh, Millie Rice, Caoimhe Tully, and Rachel White made up the two teams from Ireland, demonstrating DkIT's advocacy for multifunctional agriculture. The students took part in an intensive week of intercultural events, educational workshops, and farm visits with other students from Spain, Croatia, Slovenia and Hungary. The entry from Biotehniski Center Naklo in Slovenia was announced as the winner for their video titled: 'How buying food locally supports multifunctional agriculture'. Speaking on return from the trip, Eamon Mullen, lecturer at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Animal Health at DkIT said: 'This was an amazing experience for our students and they represented themselves, DkIT and Ireland admirably. 'The event was a fantastic way to showcase the efforts that the participants from all across Europe are making to use multifunctional agriculture as a means to make farming a viable, environmentally responsible and socially beneficial activities for farmers and their communities. 'We'd like to especially thank Elaine Cleary and all the team at TUS (Technological University of the Shannon) for the opportunity to enter this competition and for making the experience so memorable and rewarding.' The event was organised as part of the Erasmus+ Agri-Next project which is a partnership between several educational and rural development institutions from across Europe. Leading in Ireland is the Sustainable Development Research Institute (SDRI) based in Thurles, which is part of the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS). Speaking about the programme, Elaine Cleary, researcher at the SDRI said: 'It is a fantastic project to showcase how flexible learning can enhance multi-functional opportunities in farming across Europe and we are delighted to be working on the next steps, including a Business Incubator Centre to create a learning environment where educators, industry experts and employers can interact.' Cordoba is located in the Andalusia region of southern Spain and has the unique distinction of being the only city in the world with four UNESCO World Heritage sites. Most of the events were based at the Galileo Galilei Centre of Excellence in the Vocational Training campus, which offers courses in sectors ranging from agriculture and emergency services to sociocultural studies and community care. During the stay, the DkIT students were treated to an authentic Andalusian welcome and experienced the rich heritage of the region, with everything from Spanish tapas dining, kayaking along the Guadalquivir River, exploring the prehistoric caves of Cueva de los Murcielagos, watching classical and Andalusian horse-riding, to listening to the unique flamenco style of music and dancing. The promotion of multifunctional agriculture was the central theme of the campus events held throughout the week. This approach encourages farmers to combine traditional farming with non-traditional activities – such as agritourism, renewable energy production, or educational programmes – to generate financial, environmental, and social benefits for both themselves and their communities. As part of the Agri-Next competition, DkIT teams created videos showcasing how farmers could diversify their operations to embrace this model. These ideas were further explored in a series of workshops, where participants shared best practices, exchanged ideas, and learned from one another's experiences. DkIT students DkIT student Caoimhe Tully described the week as 'an incredible opportunity', noting 'it was great to meet students from across Europe and learn about different approaches to sustainable farming'. 'The workshops and farm visits gave us a real insight into how multifunctional agriculture can work in practice,' she added. One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to an agro-livestock farm based in the hills outside the city. The farm encompassed the whole farm-to-fork concept by rearing its own livestock and then having the meat from the herd available in its restaurant which is also situated on the farm. The week finished with a visit to the college's own farm (La Finca) to view the horticultural, livestock, and equestrian facilities, and officially ended with a traditional Andalusian tapas lunch prepared by the headmaster of the college and its staff. Reflecting on the experience, DkIT student Katie Cooney said: 'It was such a great opportunity to learn about how different countries are creating innovative ways to improve farm diversification, and to also meet lots of different people from agricultural backgrounds.' Head of Department of Agriculture, Food and Animal Health at DkIT, Dr. Siobhán Jordan said: 'We are incredibly grateful for this valuable opportunity and enriching experience for our students. 'Sincere thanks to Elaine Cleary from the Sustainable Development Research Institute at TUS and the AgriNext Project for organising this initiative. It provided our students with a unique chance to explore agricultural diversification and innovation on an international stage.'
Irish Independent
01-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
DKIT professor awarded contracts with two major publishers
World-renowned publisher, Oxford University Press has appointed Colette to curate and edit their prestigious international research text – The Oxford Handbook of Entrepreneurship & Gender. Colette will commission and compile a set of detailed, extensive reviews of the field by the world's top scholars across a range of sub-topics within the area of entrepreneurship and gender research. In addition, the award-winning, global publisher Edward Elgar has appointed Colette to lead a small team of editors to compile the Elgar Encyclopaedia of Gender and Entrepreneurship. This text will focus on short, encyclopaedic-style entries highlighting both established and emerging research areas in the field. Both books will be managed in parallel and will act as major reference texts for academics and researchers worldwide. 'I am thrilled to be awarded these two complementary contracts from such internationally renowned publishers,' said Dr Henry. 'I see these projects as legacy texts that will serve as valuable reference points for future scholars for years to come. I am particularly excited to have an opportunity to work globally across international borders to learn about and highlight the excellent scholarship that is being built by research colleagues, some of whom I am yet to meet. What an honour to be part of these exciting developments.' A native of Co. Down, she began her career in industry, working in sales and marketing roles in Belgium and Northern Ireland, and subsequently joined Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) as External Services/Incubation Centre Manager. Upon obtaining her MBA, she joined DkIT's Business School as Head of Department of Business Studies. She has also worked as Professor of Business & Enterprise at the Royal Veterinary College, London, and has held several visiting professorial roles.
