Celebrating 20 Years of CEFA Ireland: A Journey of Strengthening Community Education

Community Education Facilitators (CEFs), representing all 16 Education and Training Boards across Ireland, gathered in Athlone on the 11^th and 12^th of October for our annual two-day Networking Event. The event marked the upcoming 20th anniversary of the ​Community Education Facilitators’ Association (CEFA) in Ireland.   Facilitated by Michelle Anne Houlihan, Kerry CEF and Chair of the CEFA Executive, ‘Fiche Bliain ag Fiche Bliain ag Fás’ (20 Years a-Growing) was attended by former and current CEFs, including some veterans who were first appointed in 2002.

We were joined by Nina Burke and Maria Walshe from SOLAS who updated us on the forthcoming National Framework on Community Education.  This Framework will be an important policy development in Community Education and CEFA have participated heavily in the consultation process with SOLAS in 2022 and 2023.   Fergus Craddock joined us from Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) and spoke about the inter-connectivity of Community Education with other further education programmes. Camilla Fitzsimons, head of the Department of Adult and Community Education at Maynooth University reminded us not only of our roots but of some of the important achievements of CEFA over the past two decades and asked pertinent questions about how and why we measure outcomes. The highlight of the day came from members of the Irish Wheelchair Association who spoke about their wonderful collaboration with the LWETB Community Education Programme. Finally, Barbara Nea from AONTAS gave us an update on the National Community Education mapping project. Community Education Map which aims to make visible the vital Community Education taking place in communities around the island of Ireland. 

The two days served as timely reminder that CEFA has played a pivotal role in shaping and strengthening the landscape of community education in Ireland.  

CEFA and its contribution to Community Education

The establishment of the post of Community Education Facilitator (CEF) was a key part of the Learning for Life: White Paper on adult education (2000).  The posts were based in each of the county Vocational Education Committees (VECs) and the first CEF was recruited in 2002.  CEFs, with their diverse backgrounds and wealth of experience, are the driving force behind statutory community education in Ireland.

CEFA was established in March 2004 as a professional representative association for ​CEFs; its primary goal was to provide a platform for CEFs to share information, foster collaboration and contribute to the development of community education.

The association serves as a voice for CEFs in Ireland, advocating for their groups’ needs and interests.  CEFA has created a platform for CEFs to come together, exchange perspectives and collectively work towards the advancement of community education. Their advocacy efforts have been instrumental in promoting the value and impact of community education in Ireland. CEFA members have represented their sector on numerous decision and policy-making bodies and have produced evidence-based research to underpin their advocacy work – see Publications (cefa.ie))

By engaging with policymakers and other stakeholders, they have helped shape policies and strategies that support the growth and sustainability of community education initiatives. This advocacy work has ensured that the transformative power of community education is recognised and prioritised at a national level.

The success of CEFA Ireland is a testament to the dedication, passion, and hard work of the individuals involved. It is important to acknowledge the countless CEFs, executive board members, and supporters who have contributed to the growth and achievements of CEFA over the past 20 years. Their commitment to community education and their pursuit of social justice have been the driving force behind CEFA’s success.

Through its professional representation, information sharing, report writing, resource repository, and advocacy efforts, CEFA has significantly contributed to the landscape of community education in Ireland. As we look back on the past two decades, we view the achievements of CEFA and reaffirm our commitment to the continued growth and advancement of community education for the benefit of communities across Ireland.

Thanks to our colleague Sheilla Holland GRETB who compiled a map of CEFs in each County: https://www.thinglink.com/card/1449381451991613442

For more information contact CEFA at CEFA.Ireland@gmail.com