Bursary honours early education campaigner
 |
| Niamh Headon recalling the lifetime work of her mother Peggy Walker. |
A bursary for childcare education announced by Kilcullen Childcare Centre is an opportunity to 'give something back' to a community which 'gave so much' to the project every time support was sought, writes Brian Byrne.
Named in honour of the late Peggy Walker, founder of the original Naomh Bhride playgroup in 1974, the bursary has a value of €2,000 and applications are open to local students, school leavers and adult learners who have a proven place on any early years course from NFQ Level 5 and upwards.
The initiative was announced at the 50th anniversary celebrations held at the Centre on Friday evening.
 |
| Iseult O'Donoghue announcing the Peggy Walker bursary. |
Recalling Peggy Walker's expertise and 'incredible knowledge' in the area of early education and childcare, Kilcullen Childcare Centre board member Iseult O'Donoghue noted how she had gone from founding Naomh Bhride in Kilcullen to becoming Director of Information with the national organisation Early Childhood Ireland.
Speaking on behalf of the Walker family, Peggy and Liam Walker's daughter Niamh Headon reminded those present that when Peggy had to leave her civil service job after she got married, she had studied to be a Montessori teacher and then opened a playgroup at the behest of then curate in Kilcullen Fr Murphy. "She established it on behalf of the parish, not as a personal business," she said. "It was for the community and that ethos has remained with the playgroup project ever since."
Niamh remembered her mother spending so much time in promotion of the concept of early education in playgroups. "Whether it was Newbridge, Galway or Cork, it didn't matter what time of the day it was, or the day of the week, she was there answering people's questions. She spent a lot of time campaigning for children's rights, and was enabled by the government to do so, at the same time trying to keep the family show on the road."
She paid tribute to her father Liam for his unwavering support of Peggy's work, and for also outlining the bursary initiative. "Peggy believed strongly in education, and all the time she was working at local and national level, she was also studying. If you’re a school leaver thinking about childcare, if you’re in your 40s and want to do something different, this bursary may be of help. I think it’s a fabulous way to continue her work in early childhood education."
The deadline for receipt of applications is 28 September 2024 at 5pm. A shortlist from all applications will be selected by the bursary committee for interview.
.JPG) |
| Liam Walker with co-founder of the Naomh Bhride Playgroup Maureen Keogh. |
Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy
