A life-changing leap to special needs education

written by Rachel McLaughlin May 1, 2024

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A woman who took the leap to study Inclusive Education and Training says her year of study has been life-changing.

Brigena Kocija, a native of Albania, has been living in Letterkenny for five years with her family.

Despite having a diploma and professional background in finance, her career prospects were limited due to her qualifications not being recognised in Ireland, as Albania is a non-EU country.

Last year, Brigena decided to improve her job prospects by doing a Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) course with Donegal ETB’s Further Education and Training (FET) Service.

It’s been an enriching year filled with learning best practices, a rewarding work placement at Cara House, and an unforgettable trip to Malaga through Erasmus+.

“At the time, university degrees were expensive and would take up to four years. Seeing all the companies and creches looking for childcare workers, I said why not?” Brigena said.

“It was a big step but it was amazing. On the first day, I felt at home and everyone welcomed me.”

Brigena Kocija at Cara House. Photo by North West Newspix

PLC courses are offered in a variety of vocational areas. The one-year programme is designed for students who have completed their Leaving Certificate or Leaving Certificate Applied, or adults like Brigena who want to switch careers or return to education, with a mix of classroom learning, practical work, and valuable work experience.

Brigena started with a QQI Level 5 course in Early Learning and Care before progressing to the Level 6 programme in Inclusive Education and Training. This PLC focuses on Special Needs Assisting (SNA) and is delivered by staff of Errigal College and taught in the Letterkenny FET Centre in Business Park Road.

There, supports are offered to any student that needs them.

“I didn’t have difficulties with language, but we have support in our classroom such as after-school study, laptops are provided, and canteen and coffee facilities,” Brigena says.

“I really appreciated the teachers’ guidance. If we had anything we didn’t understand we emailed our teachers anytime, it is important to know that we are on the right track.”

The three-week Malaga trip on the Erasmus+ programme stands out for Brigena. She and her classmates experienced creches and childcare providers to broaden their understanding of childcare practices.

“Meeting new people and sharing experiences was so exciting, you realise you need to travel to see more and realise what you want to do,” Brigena said.

“Not only have I grown personally and professionally, but I’ve also had the pleasure of staying in wonderful accommodation and exploring the beautiful city and culture of Malaga.”

Brigena Kocija on Erasmus+ in Malaga

Another hugely beneficial element of the course is work experience in a local provider. Brigena’s placement with Cara House in Letterkenny was a dream come true, she said.

“I was welcomed by a very friendly team. I was so fortunate to work with children of all ages, from toddlers to after-school care. Working with children you can expect every day to be different,” she said.

All of Brigena’s experiences to date have made her more open-minded about her options and inspired her to perhaps study inclusive education even further.

“I would like to go to primary schools and secondary schools to experience other special education needs,” she said.

“I think it’s important to keep learning and never give up.”

Brigena sees the PLC as a good step for people seeking further education and has already recommended it to many friends.

“For me the PLC was amazing, I really appreciate it and I will never have enough time to thank my teachers for everything.”

Donegal ETB has eleven PLC courses available this September in three locations – Buncrana (FET Centre), Letterkenny (FET Centre) and Stranorlar (Finn Valley College). You can apply online through the links below or if you would like to contact the centres, you’ll find contact details here:https://www.donegaletb.ie/plc.

Buncrana