Context
The Learning in the Hubs initiative is a collaborative effort between the Department of Rural and Community Development, the Western Development Commission (operators of Connected Hubs.ie) and the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS). This project emerged from the government’s broader commitment to promoting remote working opportunities and revitalising rural communities. The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, emphasised the initiative’s role in achieving these goals by bringing education and remote work facilities directly to rural areas.
Objectives
By offering educational programmes locally, Learning in the Hubs aims to empower students, enhance educational delivery methods and breathe new life into rural towns. Learning in the Hubs focuses on expanding access to higher education, particularly for adult learners in underserved areas. The programme leverages the network of Connected Hubs, offering courses in a supportive group setting within students’ own communities. This collaboration with TUS allows the initiative to operate nationwide, providing online and in-person learning opportunities in rural areas, offshore islands and for students with accessibility challenges. Furthermore, the programme serves as a potential integration mechanism for newcomers seeking education after fleeing difficult geopolitical situations. The first programme piloted was a Certificate in Supervisory Management Skills for Team Leaders, highlighting the initiative’s focus on practical application of knowledge.
Implementation
The Learning in the Hubs programme takes advantage of existing Connected Hubs facilities, allowing students to participate in coursework and group classes locally. One of the programme’s strengths lies in its unique feature of incorporating industry expert lecturers. These instructors bring real-world experience and scenarios into the classroom, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. This approach empowers participants to directly apply their newfound skills in the workplace, enhancing the programme’s overall effectiveness. Undoubtedly, implementing such an initiative across a diverse range of locations will present challenges. However, the collaborative efforts between government bodies, educational institutions and local communities hold the potential to overcome these hurdles and ensure the programme’s success in expanding educational opportunities in rural Ireland.