Pictures: Annual Education Conference looks at the learner of the future

CORK Education and Training Board’s integration of Ukrainian families received high praise at the annual ETBI conference in City Hall.

Cork schools have enrolled 1,096 children into primary schools, and 533 into secondary schools since March 2022, with the Cork branch of the Regional Education and Language Team (REALT) facilitating their registration and integration.

Cork REALT works closely with the Department of Education and the ETBI to identify and meet the emerging needs of Ukrainian children enrolling in schools, with co-ordinators helping families living in 83 accommodation centres, as well as those in private accommodation or with host families, to source school places.

The REALT team in Cork also provide guidance and information to schools who intend to or have enrolled Ukrainian pupils, and signpost families to other educational and community supports.

Speaking as part of a panel discussion on Resilience and Connection, sixth year student Bohdan Bilash, who arrived in Ireland with his family last year, said: “Coláiste Gleann Lí in Tralee has become my second home. A place where I’ve not only expanded my horizons academically but also experienced the warmth of Irish hospitality.

“I’m really enjoying studying languages at school, and I also have an interest in computer hardware and software. I’m still considering my options, but I think I would like to go to college and study a course like computer science.

“So far, my time here has been a transformative experience, marked by positivity and growth. Irish culture, with its rich traditions and friendly people, has welcomed me with open arms.”

General Secretary of ETBI, Paddy Lavelle, said: “With the rise in far-right sentiment in recent months, initiatives such as REALT are increasingly important to ensure that refugees feel safe and welcome arriving here, and crucially so that they can integrate into society and begin to rebuild their lives.

“It is fantastic to hear stories such as Bohdan’s — highlighting the pivotal role school and education play in building confidence and connections, developing your sense of self, and integrating in a community.”

The theme for this year’s conference, which brought together over 300 representatives from across the sector and featured a line-up of over 40 speakers, was ‘The ETB of the Future’, exploring key themes such as the role of AI and technology in education, the importance of inclusion and diversity, and what learners want for the class of 2033.

Data from the Central Statistics Office was presented at the conference giving insights on the current landscape of the country, learner tendencies and who the ‘learner of the future’ might be.

It revealed: 87% of 20-year-olds in Ireland took at least one post-secondary education programme, 70% of 20-year-olds in Ireland went into higher education either directly from school or via a further education pathway, almost all (98%) of 13-year-olds in Ireland have a smart-phone, and there has been a significant increase in the non-Catholic population, driven by growing numbers with no religion, and increases in other religions.

Commenting on the future of education, Mr Lavelle added: “As we reflect on 10 years of ETBs in Ireland, it’s time to look to the future and focus on what lies ahead for our sector. Ireland is changing, and it’s important that we move to adapt with it.

“The learners of the future are tech-savvy, culturally diverse, environmentally conscious, and adaptable. It is our responsibility now to ensure that the classroom of the future evolves to support them on their learning journey.”