Computer Courses Coming to an End

Participants on the recent DERI Internet Awareness Course- (L-R) Lucky, Shpresa & Vivian

The Fetac Computer Course organised by the Galway City VEC (Vocational Education Committee) and the Internet Awareness Course provided by the DERI Institute at Galway University (NUIG) will be ending soon.
Whilst the VEC may not be providing any similar programme again in the Eglinton due to recent state cutbacks, nevertheless it is hoped that DERI can still continue to do so. However this possibility depends primarily on the commitment of Eglinton residents according to DERI's course tutor and Outreach Officer Brendan Smith.
According to Brendan, "It is essential that Eglinton residents that sign up for learning programmes provided by outside voluntary individuals and groups actually attend all sessions. Otherwise it undermines future opportunities for the Eglinton residents as the resources and committments available to many of these volunary support organisations and individuals are becoming increasingly limited. In the future, they will probably go to work where both the demand and class participation is shown to be high."

Increase in the Amounts of Opening Hours of Computer Room?

Finally there are negotiations presently taking place with mangement to try and ensure that the Eglinton Computer Room is opened every weekday morning and evening for a minimum amount of hours.
Unfortunately, reliance of student volunteer supervisors alone has been problematic over the last year due to a combination of exams, holidays and lectures.
We hope to have news on this issue within the next two weeks.
So Watch this Space!!