Festival of free events coming to Waterford
Dr Helen Murphy, Head of Faculty of Education and Lifelong Learning, SETU; Alana Daly Mulligan, Coordinator, The Lit; Gareth Evans, SEO Economic Development and Head of Enterprise Local Enterprise Office; and Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Seamus Ryan. Photo: DGM Photographic
If you want to brush up on your French, attend a talk with a best-selling author, or learn how to 'paint with wool', then Waterford’s newest festival might be for you.
The Waterford UNESCO Lifelong Learning festival will take place from April 14 to 18, across libraries and community centres in the county. All of the events are free to attend and do not require booking.
At the launch last week, Laura Power, Learning City Project Manager, said the festival, “is an opportunity to showcase the many ways people in the city and county can learn every day. We invite everyone, regardless of age, interest or ability, to give something new a try".
Dr Helen Murphy, Head of Faculty of Education and Lifelong Learning at SETU, added: “At its heart, lifelong learning is about curiosity, the belief that our minds should continue to grow throughout our whole lives. A UNESCO Learning City is one where learning is part of the fabric of everyday life: in our homes, neighbourhoods, workplaces, community centres and public spaces.”
Caitríona Cullen, Director of Further Education and Training at WWETB, said: “Being a UNESCO Learning City is something we are very proud of, but it also comes with responsibility. In line with the Sustainable Development Goals, it challenges us to work together to widen access to learning, reduce inequalities and build stronger communities”
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Seamus Ryan, launched a photo exhibition as part of the festival. That display is currently on show at Central Library, Waterford, until April 20
The exhibition features six stories of lifelong learners that showcase the power of learning to foster resilience, creativity, and social connection. Members of the public are also invited to nominate themselves or other lifelong learners to share their own learning stories.
Gareth Evans, SEO Economic Development and Head of Enterprise Local Enterprise Office, said: “These portraits offer just a glimpse of the lifelong learning happening across Waterford every day. They remind us that learning takes many forms: returning to education, developing a creative interest, building new skills for work, or simply discovering the joy of trying something new.”
Printed copies of the full programme are available at Central Library Waterford and participating venues, and the full schedule can also be viewed online at waterfordlearningcity.ie.
