Minister O’Brien announces funding to strengthen the development and growth of community work

The AIEB was established in 2010 as an all-Ireland body for supporting and promoting community development. It also ensures quality and standards in community development practice.

The AIEB is hosted and supported by Community Work Ireland, the national community development organisation, and is independent and autonomous of education providers and institutions.

Minister O’Brien said:

“I am happy to announce funding of €254,000 to AIEB, an all-Ireland body supporting the quality education of community development workers. I would like to see grassroots community work in Ireland growing, I think the AIEB can play a key role in this regard and I hope this funding helps.”

Anastasia Crickley Chairperson of AIEB added:

“This funding will go a long way towards ensuring that the important work being undertaken in the most marginalised communities is based on core values of social justice, equality, human rights and sustainable development. We are committed to ensuring that education and support for community workers and others who serve communities meets these standards and encompasses these values and that the challenges facing communities now and into the future can be met in ways that are inclusive, participative and impactful.”

The funding provided will seek to support a number of proposed actions including a review and mapping of community development programmes and their qualifications. It will also support a needs assessment of practicing community workers and others working with marginalised groups.

In addition, the funding will assist with communication and networking activities of the AIEB including interaction with similar endorsement bodies in Ireland and internationally.

All of the activities, to be supported, seek to ensure appropriate training and further education opportunities for those involved in community work in Ireland. They are linked with commitments in ‘Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities’ the five year strategy to support the community and voluntary sector in Ireland, published in August 2019.

The Minister added:

“It is important that people who see a career path in community work are confident that the courses they are taking are robust and fit for purpose and this funding will support AIEB to ensure this.”

Anastasia Crickley Chairperson of AIEB added;

“AIEB is very appreciative of the Minister’s and the Department of Rural and Community Development’s support for the important work that the Body does in ensuring the highest standards in community work throughout the island of Ireland.”

Further information can be found on the AIEB website at www.aieb.ie