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To many Limerick members of Active Retirement Ireland—who grew up with the comforting click-clack of typewriters—the arrival of IT brought uncertainty and hesitation. Structured computer classes felt daunting, and confidence was low. Then along came Donal and his wonderful team at the UL Access Campus. They introduced the Vodafone Hi-Digital programme—the first one outside Dublin—with a spirit of intergenerational learning that immediately put everyone at ease.
What began as a tentative start soon became something special. The cosy, welcoming atmosphere (with the promise of a cuppa always nearby!) encouraged even the most reluctant learners. TY students from Crescent College Comprehensive shared their knowledge with patience and good humour, often offering one-to-one guidance. Conversations and laughter flowed alongside the learning. Both student tutors and senior learners grew more enthusiastic with each session.
The validation given has offered each person tools for improved day-to-day living, and many also welcome the greater ability to curb loneliness through the use of social media facilitating greater connection with distant family. Booking tickets for events, cinema, and travel has become easier, helping to ensure a more varied and social lifestyle. A wider range of books is now available online, and even a few brain-cell-stimulating games of bridge can be enjoyed digitally.
Now, as the tuition period comes to a close, we’re delighted with the announcement of a Thursday morning Hi-Digital drop-in café—already marked in our digital organisers!
What wonderful people, what a wonderful facilitating campus!
Go raibh maith agaibh go léir,
I had no interest in attending school or achieving good results in my exams. I never did my homework or studied outside of school hours. I was on course to fail maths, which meant I was going to fail my whole leaving cert. I joined the access campus, and this changed my aspect on my education. The employees of the campus could see that I had potential to achieve a decent leaving cert, they advised me that all I had to do was put some effort into myself and I would achieve good results. I made friends who were in the same boat as me within the campus. We helped each other with our weaker subjects, helped each other get through our homework and any projects that needed completion. We had third level students available to tutor us in any subject we wished for. I received top class one on one tuition from college students that you would not receive anywhere else, without the weekly trips to UL for maths tuition I know I would not have gotten over the line to pass maths. I achieved 400+ points in my leaving cert. Aisling K.
"Southill Afterschools Club has been working in partnership with UL AccessCampus since their inception in 2003. Our access to the expertise of the staff at AccessCampus and their input into the community has been meaningful for everyone concerned.
In recent years, we have collaborated with AccessCampus on a pilot programme, providing afterschool services to first- and second-year students who might otherwise be hesitant to access the brilliant resources available at Access Campus, helping them build confidence for a smooth transition.
In addition, the students from the School of Allied Health at the 51ÉçÇø, whose community-based placements are facilitated through AccessCampus, have played an important role in the development of our children and community. Their care, dedication, and professionalism during their time with us have been extraordinary."
– Tess Walsh, SASC Manager