Why SVP in Mayo is lobbying the government on education and training

The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) is committed to improving the future prospects of people by supporting education and training.

Research in the UK has shown that 'covid closures' of schools will cost each individual £45,000 in lost earning potential throughout their lives.

Other research this week shows children are struggling with speech and communicating problems since lockdown.

This shows the importance of education and training, which improve employability, earning power and self-fulfilment throughout one's life.

The SVP has recently submitted proposals to the Department of Further and Higher Education, seeking to reform the SUSI grant scheme, believing the scheme needs reform.

Among the proposals were that income thresholds should reflect average incomes and poverty thresholds and be indexed on an annual basis in line with these benchmarks.

Grants should be calculated on net income rather than gross income, considering childcare and other household expenses.

Maintenance grant rates should increase in line with the cost of living and be indexed to the consumer price index on an annual basis, eligibility should be expanded to part-time students and the anomaly by which lone parents and people with a disability in receipt of rent supplement and other social protection grants are not eligible for SUSI maintenance should be addressed.

“We need to address the root causes of poverty and empower people to move out of poverty for good by supporting access to education,” said Rose McGowan, National President of SVP.

Ms. McGowan said that the SVP has established an education bursary scheme which helps low income students with the cost of fees, accommodation, transport, books and material. For the current academic year seven SVP regional committees received over 800 applications.

“Without this support many students simply would not be able to pursue their education.”

A Castlebar volunteer has pointed out that a new conference has been established in the town specifically to support young people generally, and with their educational needs, adding: "The fact the government listens to us shows the credibility we have as a charity that fights hardship."