KCETB Community Education Showcase Celebrated Regional Impact
Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB) proudly hosted a vibrant Community Education Showcase, celebrating the transformative impact of lifelong learning across the region. The event brought together learners, tutors, and community partners to reflect on the diverse educational opportunities that enriched lives, fostered inclusion, and strengthened local development.
From creative arts to digital skills, the showcase demonstrated KCETB’s commitment to accessible, learner-focused education that responded to community needs. Participants shared their achievements, built connections, and inspired others through powerful stories of personal growth and community engagement.
KCETB’s Community Education provision plays a vital role in empowering individuals, promoting social cohesion, and supporting both personal and professional development. The showcase stood as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and potential within local communities.
KCETB’s Director of Further Education and Training, Martha Bolger, congratulated the groups on their displays of work. Recognising the importance of the event, Dr. Lindsay Malone said “This showcase truly demonstrated how community education has become a cornerstone of progress across our region. It reflects the principles of the Community Education Framework, which champions inclusive, learner-led approaches and affirms the power of education to drive empowerment, connection, and meaningful social change. Community education is not just about learning, it’s about unlocking potential, building confidence, and creating pathways to opportunity. It plays a vital role in regional development by strengthening social cohesion, supporting local economies, and ensuring that every individual has the chance to contribute meaningfully to their community,”.
The event also received national recognition through the attendance of Dearbháil Lawless, Chief Executive Officer of AONTAS, whose presence underscored the importance of community education in shaping inclusive, empowered societies. Her support added further weight to the message that community education is not only a local asset but a national priority.
Speaking at the event, Dearbháil Lawless said, “From community gardens to fitness, creative arts, and writing, it’s clear that community education in Kilkenny and Carlow is an asset for local people. The showcase hosted by KCETB demonstrated the impact these groups make, with KCETBs support, in terms of social connection, skills development, health and wellbeing, and more.”
A key feature of the event was an engaging group activity led by Bridget O’Dwyer, designed to energise participants and demonstrate the value of experiential learning in community education settings. Tutor Lissa Oliver also shared insights into the successful delivery of KCETB’s online creative writing course, showcasing how digital platforms are expanding access and fostering creativity among adult learners.
The morning’s highlight was a series of presentations from community groups across Kilkenny and Carlow, including Supported Training, Lá Nua, Cois Nore, and the Tullahought Defibrillator Training Group. Each group articulated the tangible impact of Community Education funding on their work, underscoring how sustained investment has enabled them to build capacity, respond to local needs, and deliver meaningful learning experiences. Their contributions reflected the strategic importance of community-based education in driving regional development, social inclusion, and lifelong learning.