The OU celebrates the success of the women from Falls Women’s Centre.

On Tuesday 30th May, a group of women from Falls Women’s Centre/ Ionad Ban na bhFál celebrated their success in completing the module ‘An Introduction to Health and Social Care’ at The Open University in Belfast.

The Open University has developed a partnership with the Falls Women’s Centre to facilitate access to education, the development of new skills and foster a sense of achievement.   With support from a peer academic mentor and a study group facilitated by the women’s centre, the partnership supported the group to grow in confidence, skills and capacity to overcome challenges.  Buoyed by their positive experience and success, the women intend to continue to study to achieve a Higher Education qualification.

John D’Arcy National Director, hosted the morning and commended the students on their achievements. “I am very proud of the partnership we have developed with the Fall Women’s Centre and seeing how education is changing the lives of the participants. Their dedication is commendable and I hope their journey in education continues.”

Nancy Graham, Training and Education Worker for the Falls Women’s Centre explains how important the partnership has been to the students: “The OU dedicates time and resources to making this partnership work. Importantly the OU recognises the particular support that community organisations can offer.”

Janette Nhangaba, Widening Participation Manager for The Open University, emphasises the important role and quality of support offered by Falls Women’s Centre in the partnership.  “The Women’s Centre consistently demonstrate their commitment to the wellbeing and progress of local women.  Their support in helping the group to achieve their goals has been invaluable.”