Westmeath Community Development

Educational disadvantage in Ireland refers to the situation where some individuals derive less benefit from the education system than their peers. The Education Act 1998 refers to educational disadvantage as

“the impediments to education arising from social or economic disadvantage which prevent students from deriving appropriate benefit from education in schools”.

Educational disadvantage is demonstrated in many ways, most often in poor levels of participation and achievement in the formal education system. WCDL has a range programmes in place to address educational disadvantage throughout the County, all projects target children who are experiencing educational disadvantage. The supports are offered to both the :-

• Formal Education System (schools, colleges etc.)
• In formal Education system (Youth projects, special out-of-school projects, community projects, etc)

Priority is given to projects which demonstrate significant levels of disadvantage e.g. schools with DEIS status, School Completion, Special projects for Disadvantaged youths (SPY)

All the projects are aimed at facilitating the educational, personal development and social education of young people at risk early school leaving, social exclusion or potential welfare recipients.

How to apply :-

For further information:        Caroline Lambden, Education Coordinator

Or   Caroline Moran, Development Officer.