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!!

'The African Voice'

Ireland's No. 1 African newspaper

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Eglinton Residents Complete First in-house FETAC Course

Photograph shows the first group of students with their proud tutor (centre) after they completed the first FETAC computer course ever to be held in the Eglinton.
The education sessions were provided by the City of Galway VEC in the in-house Computer Room. The facility equipped with a ten computer suite was upgraded in 2007 co-funded by the Eglinton management and the Outreach programme of the Digital Enterprise Research Institute (DERI).

VEC Announces new FETAC computer course for Eglinton

Smiling Happy Students from DERI's Internet Awareness Course

Mary McMahon of the Galway City VEC has announced that a second FETAC computer course will be starting next Tuesday (Jan. 15th) in the Eglinton Computer Room. Due to advanced bookings, it is already full!
Both Brendan Smith's (DERI of Galway University) two Internet Awareness Courses will be completed next week. He hopes that he will be able to tutor on a new Web course commencing at the end of the month (Details to follow).

Deputy City Mayor acts as Santa Claus at Eglinton Christmas Party

For the second year in succession, the children of the Eglinton enjoyed a fantastic Christmas Party topped off by an extended stay from a gift-bearing and hearty Santa Claus who meet each one individually.Yet again the efforts of the hard-working residents' support committee, supported by the Hotel management, astonished and pleased everyone. There were gift-wrapped presents for each and every young person (from the newly born to the older teenagers); a fantastic selection of food and non-alcoholic drinks served by Carole Raftery & staff; festive wall & ceiling decorations; a disco for all ages with our very own DJ (Chidi); an in-house cinema; a troupe of fun-loving fairies and elves led by a Snow Queen (Karen Winner)and her assistant Suzanne McKane; a huge Christmas Tree at reception; and a children's dance show organised by Natasha Vershinin who also painted many of the resident's faces in the multi-colours of clowns.
But what made the occasion really special was the arrival of the Deputy Mayor of Galway City in the guise of Santa Claus!! Councillor Pádraig Conneely in his fine red attire and white beard looked every inch 'Father Christmas'.
He visited the excited children in their disco room before adjorning to the purpose-built 'Santa's Grotto' where he stayed for 2 hours giving out friendly advice and toys to each and everyone of the young people.
Thanks to the efforts of Eglinton employee Michael & of Brendan, all can enjoy the photographs of this memorable festive event by clicking here

Some members of 'Team Xmas': Back Row (L-R) Maria, Mary McMahon, Isabella, Suzanne McKane,
Front Row (L-R) Adrienne Lynam, Santa Claus (aka Cllr Pádaig Conneely), Helen Ogbu, Maeve Geraghty & Brendan Smith

A Big Thank You (Go raibh míle maith agat = 'Irish') to all the volunteers who gave so much time and effort free of charge that ensured the event was such a wonderful success story...
...the organising committee who did such a brilliant job led by Maeve Geraghty, Carole Raftery, Mary McMahon & Suzanne McKane and including Adrienne Lynam, Brendan Smith, Dmitry, Natasha, Helen Ogbu & Chidi
...Karen Winner & crew, Suzanne & the Friendship Club for all her fantastic inputs (grotto, costumes, games...)
...Carole, Patrick and the staff of the Eglinton for the fine food, drink & so much more...
..Chidi for the music
...Dmitriy for the film show
...Natasha for the face painting
...Dmitriy, Carole & Eglinton staff for the wall/ceiling decorations
...Brendan, Adrienne, Mary, Helen & Maeve for acting as Santa's big helpers on the day
... Maeve, Carole, Natashta for their great work in gift wrapping & acting as Santa's trusty helpers
-Michel & Brendan for the photography
-Murdo for acting as usher
A big hug is due to Maeve Geraghty for securing the financial support from a secret university benefactor without whose funds this party would never have happened.
So we end with a big 'Thank You' to this very nice person!

Over 30 Student Volunteers Sign Up for Computer Room Supervision!

Esther, Blessing & Chidi with Lorraine Tansey of the CKI Student Volunteer Fair

36 students signed up today at the 2007 Galway University Volunteer Fair to serve as unpad voluntary supervisors for the Eglinton Computer Room!
"This was a marvelous result and was due solely to the excellent work carried out by residents", according to Brendan Smith, Outreach officer of the Digital Enterprise Research Institute & promoter of the Computer/Internet Room. Chidi, Esther and Blessing from the Eglinton. "These 3 ladies did a fantastic sales job at at the Fair convincing attendees of the importance that they could play in improving the lives of residents by agreeing to volunteer for the job. 36 was one of the highest responses received at any of the Exhibit's stands. Well done Girls!
For further information, click here

New Computers for Computer Room in September!!

Brendan Smith from Deri at Galway University has promised to upgrade the Computers in the Eglinton Computer Room. He has managed to source 12 newer models that he hopes will be installed and operational by the end of September.
Furthermore the committee is planning to decorate the walls with artwork produced by the Eglinton residents in order to give the room a more 'homely feel'.
Great Stuff!