The Laptop Project

The Laptop Project is an innovative project run by IDP. The primary aim of this project is to bring computer training to participants in their own homes, targeting individuals that have no access to computers in their own locality. This is achieved by a tutor bringing 6 - 8 laptop computers with a printer to a home, making it possible to take groups of 6 - 8 people, at a time for a specified period.

The underling aim of this project is the development of a Lifelong learning Culture. By bringing resources into the homes of the target group and focusing initially on topics and people close to them, this will act as a ‘magnet’ to engage them in the development process of further training.

The Laptop Project offers two courses: Basic IT Training – a 10 week course covering Ms Word, Internet & Email. And a Certified course, Fetac Level 4 (Computer Applications) - a 15 week course covering Spreadsheets, Databases and PowerPoint.

At present the Laptop Project is running two programmes:

• I.D.O.L. – Inishowen Digital Older Learners. This project is being assisted by funding from the Department of the Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, under the Benefit Scheme. It provides IT training for older learners, currently 75 people are successfully participating in this course
• Immigrant Outreach Programme - Funded by Pobal - Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. This currently provides training for 20 immigrant participants. It covers the Fetac Level 4 (Computer Application) syllabus.
  

For information on upcoming Laptop Projects contact:
Project Tutor: Sinead McDaid
Tel: 0868216303/ 93 62218.
Email: sineadmcdaid@eircom.net

The SCEPW is a women’s community-based education project based in Co. Donegal.  It was set up in 1996 to meet the educational needs of women.

In Inishowen, the SCEPW under the Equality for Women measure is carried out in collaboration with Inishowen Development Partnership (IDP).  The aim is to identify the needs of women in the area and deliver a support service to increase their opportunities to access training and employment.    A Neighbourhood Work approach is used which involves meeting women one to one in their own homes providing encouragement and support to participate in life-long learning.

The project is linked with IDP Job Club and Donegal VEC Adult Guidance Service.  It supports women to become more active in society and combats social exclusion.   It moves women from feeling isolated and disempowered to feeling confident and empowered.  It provides an opportunity for women to receive career guidance support, small group training, and taster sessions.  Women are given the space to meet, share ideas and become aware of options regarding training/employment.   

A New Year New You course will start on 24th February and run for six weeks 10am-12pm at Inishowen Development Partnership in Carndonagh.  Topics to be covered include positive assertiveness, affirmations, positive thinking, goal setting and dealing with conflict.
You can check this website regularly for further updates on training opportunities.
                                                                                             Contact                                                               
Outreach Worker:        Maria Mc Conalogue
Address:                         Inishowen Development Partnership, St. Mary’s Road, Buncrana, Co. Donegal.
Telephone:                    mobile 083 3557092
Email:                             maria2ndchanceeducation@gmail.com

The project is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), through The Human Capital Investment Programme 2007-2013 (HCI OP) and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform under the Equality for Women Measure and the National Women’s Strategy.

Click here to download Training Needs Analysis Form

Click here to download a list of courses available throughout Inishowen.

Are you a lone parent?
Are you worried about your finances?
Do you need help with childcare?
Are you thinking about work but don’t know where to start?

Then download our guide for Lone Parents in Inishowen.

For further advice feel free to contact our Training Officer

Phone:  074-9362218
Email:   mmcgeehan@inishowen.ie

Inishowen Development Partnership has recently become an ECDL accredited test centre and will be offering ECDL training on a part-time basis to unemployed people between the ages of 18 – 55.  The European Computer Driving Licence is aimed at those who have basic computer knowledge and want to further their skills in the area of Information Technology (IT).  This programme promotes the skills and knowledge needed for general IT use within the world of work.  The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) is the most widely recognized European standard for practical computing.

The modules are as follows:

• Basic Concepts of Information Technology
• Using the Computer and Managing Files
• Word Processing
• Spreadsheets
• Database
• Presentation
• Information and Communication

Duration:
The programme will run for 14 weeks and will involve a maximum commitment of two 3hr sessions @ week.  Each programme will have a maximum of 13 participants and will be held in the IDP offices in Buncrana and Carndonagh.

Due to the limited number of places available selection for participation on this course will be by application form only.  Further details and application forms from Sinead McDaid - Course Tutor on 086-8216306 or Katie/Maureen on 9362218.

Click here to download an application form.

The OPTIC group was formed in September 2008 and consists of clients and volunteers of the Good Morning Inishowen Service.  The OPTIC Group were brought together in order to allow the volunteers to meet the clients and vice-versa.  The project is unique because it has utilized the medium of drama to encourage interactions and foster friendships between older people from very different backgrounds and upbringings.  In April 2009 the group performed ‘The Red Rose Café’ which went down extremely well in the all the locations where it was performed.  The group is now hoping to remain as the OPTIC group and is currently embarking on hosting a fashion event for Older People in the spring of 2010.  

ALL TRAINING WILL BE CARRIED OUT AT THE INISHOWEN DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP OFFICES

Rosemary Lyons (Enterprise Officer) is the contact person for all enterprise training.  Please email me preferably on rosemary@inishowen.ie to book a place or telephone Katie/Maureen on Reception for bookings on 074-93-62218.