INSPIRING OTHERS: Former Direct Provision resident Rudo Chitseko hopes her BA achievement will inspire other adults to pursue third level education.

A former Direct Provision resident living in Killarney, who completed a BA degree, has pledged to give back to the community.

Rudo Chitseko hopes her BA achievement will inspire other adults who missed out on an opportunity to pursue third level education to consider signing up to a higher education programme.

Rudo studied for a BA in Applied Addiction Studies and Community Development with An Cosán, Ireland’s largest provider of community education,

Originally from Zimbabwe she has lived in Ireland since 2015, and signed up to do a BA with An Cosán while she was living in Direct Provision.

An Cosán’s degree programmes run online, which means they can be undertaken from anywhere in the country. They are accredited by the Institute of Technology (IT) Carlow and Rudo was delighted to graduate at IT Carlow’s recent Lifelong Learning Conferring Ceremony, which saw 20 adult learners from six counties across Ireland graduate from An Cosán’s two BA programmes.

Rudo, who is now studying for a BA in Social Care with Munster Technological University, (MTU), was joined at the graduation by her two proud sisters Rufaro and Samantha.

Rudo says that she is a different person after completing the BA with An Cosán.

“I am a different person altogether from the person I was,” she said.

“My perspective on social issues, like addiction and community development, are different now. I have more understanding of the issues involved. I want to give back to the community by applying the skills I have learned with An Cosán.”

CHALLENGE

Rudo says it was a challenge undertaking the degree course but that the extra supports offered by An Cosán made it easier.

“Blended learning was easy for me because I was able to work around the schedule and I was able to do other things, like look for a job,” she said. “There was financial support, academic support and counselling. The friendships, the people I met and the memories I made during my time with An Cosán will last a lifetime.”

Rudo encourages other adults who did not have the chance to complete second-level education or go on to third-level education to sign up to a course with An Cosán.

“I met people from all backgrounds who left school early or were recovering from different situations. Everything is possible. I am a living testament to that – I never thought I would graduate with a degree, but here I am. So, no matter what your situation, you can have another chance. There is always a way and An Cosán will be there to support you.”