In 2008-09, the DIT Access Service together with the Access Services in Dublin City University (DCU), Institute of Technology Tallaght (ITT), Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and University College Dublin (UCD), established a new project to promote access to higher education for Separated Children (formerly Unaccompanied Minors). Separated Children are Newcomers to Ireland with no family support.
Aim of the project:
Why establish this project?
Separated Children participate in Access school initiatives and can apply for access entry to higher education via the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR), however, from the work of the Access Services and involvement in research on barriers to access for such students, it was clear that Separated Children had specific needs regarding access to higher education. Supports required include language support, educational guidance, information about the education system, financial support, a space in which to study, access to IT facilities and encouragement.