The country's newest university has become the first third level institution in Ireland to establish a personal support advocacy for students who have grown up in State-funded care.
Munster Technological University has appointed senior staff members at its campuses in Cork and Kerry to act as advocates to help students who have left the care system to navigate their way through third level.
Almost 6,000 children live in foster or residential care, another 2,200 young adults, aged 18-22, receive after-care services, including financial support, to help them pursue higher education and training.
They make up some of the most vulnerable young people in our society, often having to make the transition from care to independence without the support of parents or other family.
Munster Technological University has appointed Senior Lecturer in Public Policy Dr Pat McGarty, and Senior Lecturer in Applied Social Studies Dr Tom O'Connor, to act as personal support advocates for those who have left the State care system.
They will operate at the MTU campuses in Cork and Kerry.
The initiative is aimed at curbing high dropout rates among students who have left the care system and may not have the same back up that other students enjoy.
Dr McGarty said the initiative will complement the existing range of student support services at MTU.
"While a range of policy interventions have eradicated elements of educational disadvantage, research has consistently highlighted that young people with 'care-experience' have lower educational attainment, and progress through education at lower rates than many other socio-economically disadvantaged students," said Dr McGarty.
Sarah O'Brien from Killarney, who is a recent MTU graduate and previously lived in care, said support through third level gave her the self-belief to continue her studies instead of dropping out.
"As a result of having grown up in care and experiencing an unrelenting cycle of trauma, grief and upheaval, I lacked self-confidence and had zero belief in myself that I would succeed in third level education," she said.
"Having that extra support while pursuing third level education can make the world of a difference to a care leaver.
"I am now working in a mental health rehabilitation unit as a social care worker and love every minute of it. I believe an initiative such as this would be a much needed support for people who have been through the care system."
The initiative at MTU comes as the Higher Education Authority and Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris are currently drawing up a new national plan to improve access for young people from vulnerable groups to third level education.
Both have promised that supports will be improved when the plan is implemented from next January.
Munster Technological University, Ireland's newest university, has become the first college to establish a support programme for students who have grown up in state-funded care | https://t.co/saKCL7dJyB pic.twitter.com/7B5we8OHHL
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) June 18, 2021
