“We are witnessing the death of small talk among our young people” – ETBI annual congress hears
“If I had one message for education policy makers and the upcoming national convention on the future of education in Ireland, it would be a blanket ban of smart phones across our schools.” That’s according to family psychotherapist, Dr Richard Hogan, who was the keynote speaker at the annual congress, which took place on Thursday 9th October at the Slieve Russell Hotel, Co. Cavan.
Mr. Hogan added, “I strongly believe – and this is backed up data and research – that smart phones are contributing to the silencing of adolescence. We are witnessing the death of small talk among our young people, and the accompanying social skills they need to thrive.”
One of the key themes being explored at the congress – ‘Strengthening Governance, Managing Growth’ is the national convention on education, which was announced by Minister Helen McEntee earlier this year. Delegates are hearing from speakers and panellists on what they feel the convention needs to address, including special education, curriculum reform, the need for multi-denominational education, and wellbeing in schools.
Speaking on the panel on the national convention on education, Somer Finn, a 17-year-old student from Carrickmacross in Co. Cavan, said she would like the future of education “to adaptto what the students need, including those with additional needs. This can only start at the top.” A group of local ETB learners also performed a live spoken word piece called ‘Diary of a learner’ which explored learner challenges and opportunities in primary and post primary schools, and further education and training.
The event line-up also featured an address from Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee. Addressing conference delegates, which included over 200 representatives from Education and Training Boards across the country, Minister McEntee said: “I am delighted to attend the first ETBI Conference and to meet so many people committed to advancing greater equity in education.
“This week, I was pleased to announce €2 million in funding for the Convention on Education, which will provide a unique opportunity for children, young people, parents, educators and wider society to help shape the future of our education system.”
Over the course of the day, the congress addressed various other topics relevant to the sector, including growing the Irish language, strengthening partnerships with local and regional employers, and managing growth and governance.
General Secretary of ETBI, Paddy Lavelle, said: “Education and Training Boards are Ireland’s leading state provider of education, training and youth services, and our role in the delivery of education in Ireland is quickly growing and developing. ETBs are now key state providers of Community Special Schools and have a potential role in the delivery of nationwide early education services. ETBs will also play a key role in the growth of further education and training (FET) across the state and the implementation of a new FET strategy.
“This period of growth requires strong management and robust governance structures – and it’s vital that we support ETBs to establish these structures to help them continue to deliver excellent education provision for thousands of people across the country. Our congress today addresses innovative approaches and collaborative ways to managing this growth. While the increases in funding for school capitation rates, additional apprenticeships and youth services announced in the Budget this week are all extremely welcome by the sector, we are still operating in a challenging environment where rising costs and resource pressures continue to impact the delivery of quality education and training.”
