More than 200 primary school children from the west have graduated from NUI Galway.
The students in the college’s Youth Academy, which was established in 2012, received their certificates in front of some 1,000 friends and family at a special ceremony.
Since its foundation, almost 800 children have graduated from a variety of courses on Saturday mornings, including foreign languages, philosophical discovery, psychology, engineering, English literature, history, film studies, eco-explorers, map adventures and the world in 3D, and information technology.
The Youth Academy runs for a six-week period and works with high ability fourth, fifth and sixth class primary school children to support their learning and academic development, in partnership with their primary schools.
Speaking at the event, NUI Galway president Dr Jim Browne said the Youth Academy was an important initiative by the university.
“ We feel it responds to the educational needs of our most important young citizens and gives talented young students the opportunity to get experience of learning in a university.
“NUI Galway is committed to the sharing of knowledge with the wider community and ensuring that the pathways to university are open to all. I hope that initiatives such as the Youth Academy can highlight how the university can and does serve its community, not only here Galway, but in society in general.”
For further information on the courses and participation please contact Geraldine Marley, NUI Galway Youth Academy Coordinator, at [email protected].
