Group leaders in Kildare look to the future after Autumn course

Nineteen Kildare community group leaders were celebrating their success on Tuesday, December 2 after completing a four week programme in Naas Further Education and Training Centre, which was organised by Community Education Kildare, KWETB and facilitated by tutor Noel Fitzgerald.

After completing an initial community group-leader workshop in May 2025 delivered by KWETB Community Education, many participants expressed a desire for continued support in applying what they learned at that workshop. To meet this need, KWETB Community Education planned a series of follow-up workshops designed to help community group leaders strengthen their confidence and navigate the ongoing challenges of leading a community group.

The participants included members from The Newbridge Women’s Shed, Naas Men’s Shed, Newtown Women’s Group, Sallins Women’s Shed, The Breakout Art Group Athy, Carers Support Group-North Kildare, Maynooth Senior Citizens and the ICA Celbridge and Maynooth Guilds.

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The four workshops were designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of community group leaders and topics included: social action, roles and responsibilities of the voluntary board member, understanding of group dynamics, group development, communication, structure and governance, planning, aims, actions, resources, evaluation, conflict resolution, and being an effective board member.

Community Education is about bringing learning to people in their own local areas, based on the needs of each community. Community Education programmes help reduce social isolation by promoting well-being, education, personal development and active citizenship. They work closely with many community and voluntary groups across County Kildare.

Community and voluntary groups play a vital role in challenging inequality and creating positive social change. Their leaders usually work in a voluntary capacity, outside formal structures, and often without the resources they need. Supporting community group leaders is important, as their work strengthens the communities around them.

The Feedback from participants was really positive.

"This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to support community groups around Kildare and foster stronger, more resilient communities. Anyone interested in finding out more about Community Education can do so by looking at the website www.communityeducationkwetb.ie , e-mailing communityedkildare@kwetb.ie or calling the office at 045-881863," said the organisers.