From the corner shop to the classroom [IrishTimes]
- Published: 22 June 2011
Dara Hogan used to work as a director and general manager of the firm that owns Spar. Now, he’s applying his skills to provide high-quality early years education in disadvantaged areas – with striking results, writes CARL O'BRIEN
THE JOURNEY to the pre-school building in Brookfield, in west Tallaght, passes through some of the most stark pockets of deprivation in the State. Unemployment here is way above the national average. Early school-leaving rates are among the highest in the country. Literacy is a major problem, too.
As you pass row after row of mostly grey corporation estates and turn the corner onto Brookfield Road, one building stands out: it’s an angular, multi-coloured community centre that many see as a beacon for the area.
The centre is home to Fledglings Early Years, a groundbreaking early childhood education and care facility.
Inside, sunlight streams in the windows and children run around a big room filled with paintings, wooden furniture, sand pits, saucepans and cardboard. In here, early years educators try to reverse the disadvantage faced by many of the children by providing a form of education that is academically proven to have dramatic benefits in later life.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
