A wide range of learners were honoured this week as Inishowen Development Partnership (IDP) hosted its annual Celebration of Learners event, recognising more than 100 people who completed various education and training programmes over the past year.
The evening, which was held at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel in Buncrana, brought together learners, tutors, partners, and supporters to recognise personal achievements, new skills, and accredited programmes across Inishowen.
This year’s event holds special significance as the first celebration in IDP’s 30-year anniversary, marking three decades of empowering communities across the peninsula through education, training, and support programmes.
Francis Burns, Chairperson of IDP, said the learners’ event was a ‘great start’ to their 30 year anniversary celebrations.
“It is a pleasure, as Chairperson of Inishowen Development Partnership, to celebrate the achievements of so many learners,” said Francis.
“Tonight reflects the wide range of courses, community groups and individuals who engage with our training and community education programmes.
“I want to congratulate every learner and extend sincere thanks to our tutors and our dedicated IDP team who make these journeys possible. It is a great start to our 30‑year celebrations,” he added.
Learners were recognised across a diverse range of accredited and non-accredited courses coordinated by IDP, including Payroll, Administration, Environmental Sustainability, Bookkeeping, Food Hygiene, Early Childhood Studies, Employability Skills, Chainsaw Certification, and more. Many of these programmes were delivered in partnership with Donegal ETB’s Community Education Support Programme, reflecting a long-standing collaboration to bring accessible learning directly into local communities.
Catherine Friel, Community Education Facilitator with Donegal ETB, reflected on the partnership:
“Congratulations to all the participants who received certificates. Donegal Education and Training Board is delighted to have supported so many learners under our Community Education Support Programme, part of our further education and training service,” said Catherine.
“We’re incredibly proud of everything they’ve achieved. We look forward to welcoming even more learners in our future programmes, and continuing to support learning and personal development across the community.”
Learners’ voices
Among those celebrated was Olivia Farren who completed the employability training with IDP employment support officers Paddi McMonagle and Emily Graham.
Olivia told everyone how she attends the iADULT centre in Buncrana five days a week. She took part in the training along with her support with other people from iADULT at the IDP office in Buncrana over the course of six weeks.
“I did the employability training with Emily and Paddi and I really enjoyed the course,” said Olivia.
“It has helped me learn more about the working world and I feel it will help me to get a job in the future.”
Sean Lynch, who was one of 20 people who completed his Chainsaw Certification training through the 2025 FIT4FARMLIFE programme, which is funded by the Department of Agriculture, praised the work of IDP’s Farm Family Support Worker Joe Sweeney for supporting local farmers.
“Chainsaw training is so important to rural farmers in Inishowen and it is because of IDP that we get training like this delivered here,” said Sean.
“Courses like this save lives and prevent injuries on farms. It is especially important for young people working on our farms that they know the right and safest way to do things. I have seen a lot of injuries over the years so the more of them we can prevent the better.”
Meanwhile the final learner on the night, Mildred Gill talked about her journey with IDP since she retired. Mildred talked about various programmes she was involved in including Inishowen is Ours, Field to Fork, Women Crossing Borders and the QQI Level 4 in Environmental Sustainability, which is supported by Donegal ETB.
“I feel like my learning journey with IDP is not over yet,” said Mildred.
“They are a great organisation and are very inclusive and welcoming so if you’re looking to get involved in something new check them out.”
For more information on upcoming courses and training opportunities, visit www.inishowen.ie or follow IDP on social media.
