Mary Immaculate College (MIC) celebrated the achievements of 33 learners from Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Burundi, Iran, Jordan, Lesotho, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Ukraine, who were awarded their Level 6 Certificate in English for Academic Purposes (CEAP) at a graduation event hosted by the Department of English Language and Literature.
President of MIC, Professor Dermot Nestor, welcomed the graduates and commended the remarkable progress, dedication and enthusiasm they demonstrated throughout the programme. He also acknowledged the support of Professor Lorraine McIllrath, Director of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Interculturalism (EDII), who provided funding for the programme.
This year’s English language programmes for migrants were delivered through a collaborative effort between MIC’s English Language Coordinator, Ilona Costelloe, Giana Hennigan, Lecturer of English Language and Literature, MIC’s EDII Office, and Mary Cantwell of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board.
Presenting the awards, Professor Eugene O’Brien, Head of the Department of English at MIC, reaffirmed the College’s commitment to offering accessible language programmes that support integration and open pathways to education. He emphasised the importance of English Language learning as a foundation for participation, confidence and future study, noting how proud the College is to support learners as they take this significant step forward.
Professor McIllrath also praised the achievement, adding:
“I am especially thankful to my colleagues in the Department of English Language and Literature, namely Ilona Costelloe and Giana Hennigan, for their pioneering work and their genuine support for each learner. Many of the students have gone on to undergraduate and postgraduate study in MIC and other third-level institutions across Ireland, and their completion of this Certificate has been that crucial step towards their goals.”
The programme continues to form a key part of MIC’s wider commitment to inclusion, educational access and community engagement.
