University of Limerick has signed the Learning Limerick’s Memorandum of Understanding, signaling its commitment to advancing Limerick’s progress as a Learning Region. Learning Limerick is a partnership forum to promote awareness of the importance of lifelong learning for every person, family community and workplace in Limerick, and to influence education and skills policy on a local, national and international level. TheForum also seeks to position learning at the centre of development planning in the Limerick region in all communities, sectors and settings.
Speaking at the event Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr James Collins said: “The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding reinforces and strengthens the collaboration that is the hallmark of the Learning Limerick initiative. All the signatories realise the importance of lifelong learning, be it for personal or professional reasons, and we all strive to provide the best education opportunities and supports. Learning Limerick and the Learning Limerick Festival has been an important development for the city and county as it brings learning right into the heart of communities allowing people who may think learning is not for them, to get involved.”
Chairperson of the steering group, Eimear Brophy from Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board said: “The recognition for Limerick as an UNESCO Learning City-Region celebrates both formal and informal learning for all the citizens throughout Limerick City and County. This Memorandum of Understanding highlights our ongoing partnership with agencies and communities to progress lifelong learning.”
Gordon Daly, Director of Social Development with Limerick City and County Council added: “We are very aware of the importance of lifelong learning in our communities right across Limerick. Being a UNESCO Learning City means we will continue to work to improve our services and offering to the people of Limerick. It is with pride that we proclaim we are a UNESCO Learning City and this signing of the Memorandum of Understanding will allow us all to work even more closely together to achieve our goals.”
The Mayoral event also saw the launch of the introduction of Learning Limerick Ambassadors.
The ambassadors are a diverse group of individuals, who themselves have demonstrated that learning is for people of all ages and from all areas. They have a wide variety of needs and interests. Their main role is to help reach as many people as possible and inspire them to participate in learning, through promoting the idea of lifelong learning in their own communities, workplaces and neighbourhoods.
Richard Kenny, a Limerick Learning Ambassador, living in Limerick City explaining how he got involved: “It started with a basic computer class in the Southill Family Resource Centre and now I’m in UL. This really demonstrates the diversity of learning possibilities in Limerick”.