Youthreach class of 2023 celebrate their graduation

CORK Education and Training Board’s Youthreach students were celebrated at an event recently to mark their completion of Level 3 and 4 Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI) awards.

One of the students at the annual graduation ceremony was Hafiz Ullah, who left Afghanistan at 15 years of age in 2020 and undertook a perilous journey across Iraq and into Europe through Turkey, Greece, and Macedonia before arriving in Cork city.

Hafiz completed his qualifications in Cork city Learning Support Services and will now be a student in Cork College of FET, Tramore Rd Campus, studying Information Technology.

Fellow graduate Olivia O’Sullivan, who is progressing to study Computer Science at Cork College of FET, Douglas St Campus, said: “Mallow Youthreach has given me a great opportunity to thrive and opened up new, wider opportunities to college.”

While Martin Cizevskis graduated from Dean St Youthreach Centre and plans to follow his dream of studying art.

The ceremony was a testament to the hard work, dedication, and resilience of the 2023 graduating class from Cork’s 12 Youthreach centres, who were forced to complete part of their studies online due to the pandemic. 

Their families and teachers gathered at the Clayton Hotel Silver Springs to celebrate the young people’s unwavering commitment to personal growth, and to enjoy an inspiring keynote speech by Amy O’Connor, all-star and All Ireland Winning captain.

Other speakers included Cork ETB’s Chief Executive, Denis Leamy, and Director of FET, John Fitzgibbons, who told the graduates that “yesterday is in the past and tomorrow is their future”.

Cork ETB said it remains committed to providing ongoing support and resources to ensure the continued success of their 12 Youthreach centres in providing educational opportunities for young people who are outside of mainstream education.