TESTIMONIALS FROM IT/FIRST AID COURSES – MAY 2010

CLAIT DIPLOMA

“Progress was very much at my level & speed.  Clear step by step instruction.”

“I enjoyed this course and learnt a lot.”

CLAiT CERTIFICATE

“Fantastic venue, Fantastic tutor!”

“Most enjoyable”

BEGINNER'S IT

“Excellent notes given by tutor in early learning stages were invaluable and gave me the confidence to practise at home.”

“”I found our tutor very helpful and understanding of my slow progress.”

“Really enjoyed my time at the Women’s Centre.”

“Contrary to expectations – I thoroughly enjoyed the course as I am not very IT orientated.”

“I enjoyed doing this computer course.  I would like to do the follow up course in September.”

“A very good course.”

“Great tutor very pleasant and helpful.”

“Very pleasant and helpful tutor.”

ADVANCED ECDL

“Developing knowledge of Microsoft and very applicable to ‘real world’.”

“It is very well laid out for all needs & requirements for people of all ages.”

“Sorts the men from the boys!”

“Everything is taught step-by-step and content is useful.”

“Covers a wide variety of areas.”

“Covers a wide range on a certain topic.”

PAEDIATRIC FIRST AID

“This course was a lot more detailed and deeper than I expected, it was excellent.”

“Really good and plenty of information. Interesting and enjoyable.”

“I enjoyed this course very much and it will benefit me in my work and home.”

“This course was very informative and enjoyable. Tutor was very interesting.”

“I really enjoyed the course. A very worthwhile course.”

“The course was presented in a very friendly, factual way which made learning easy & fun.”

“Jackie is an excellent teacher. Very keen and willing to answer all questions and queries.”

SAGE 2

“Overall I found the course enjoyable and challenging @ times but with the help of the tutor was able to get through it.”

“Really enjoyed the course.”

ECDL

What are the strengths of this course?

“The patience of Wendy & acceptance, the atmosphere, the booklets.”

“Set in informal surroundings making it an enjoyable learning experience.”

“Organisation & presentation of course by tutors.”

“Very well explained.”

“The course is very varied and covers a lot of aspects.”
“Covers a wide variety of topics.”

“That everything is explained very well.”

25th November 2009

To Staff at Dungannon's (sic) Women Centre,

I would like to pass on my gratitude for what Dungannon's Women Centre has done for me, since I've been off sick since Feb '09.

I heard about your centre from a friend who sang your praises and told me of how much she had learned since she first attended and of how much she enjoys her ongoing attendance.

I have almost completed my Beginners IT course and have thoroughly enjoyed it and am so looking forward to my next course.

It is a fantastic centre, with staff second to none and the friendliness is nothing short of unbelievable.

I have met so many lovely people and look forward to my attendance every week.

Thank you so much.

PD

Moy Road
Dungannon

21 November 2009

To Whom It May Concern:

As a new user of the First Steps Women’s Centre in William Street, Dungannon, I am very unhappy by the concerns that abound about funding gaps for this and other centres in the future.

I do appreciate that present financial constraints will place pressure on all funders and the value if each project will be strictly evaluated, but I would also find any hint of non-continuance or any restriction on the variety of courses being available is at the least concerning, and at worst frightening, when one considers the long term value to the community of the work being done.

I was aware of the Centre before I availed of its services but it is only now when I have availed of the opportunities being offered that I have any realistic appreciation of the work, the value-added to peoples’ lives.

When in the Centre one is privy to conversations and discussions of the different course participants and the value they place on the courses they have undertaken and how this has effected all aspects of their lives, completion of courses have opened doors that they would never have considered knocking on never mind being able to walk through.  Women have been empowered to reach for their dreams and it must be appreciated the knock-on effect on families, friends and the communities.

When young mothers, who for whatever reason did not achieve their potential through the normal school life, see an opportunity to fulfil this potential when they are now bringing up a family, with the security of having their child/children looked after while they study, it is surely a very sound basis for families to succeed and their example of lifelong learning can only be a tremendous example for their own friends and family but prove an inspiration to their own children.

Not every person succeeds in a formal setting and it is inspirational to observe the dedication of Michael and his staff who achieve aims and objectives in such a friendly and caring manner, yet their success is evident by results achieved.  One need only recall the recent ‘Graduation’ day when such pride was evident from the candidates, staff and tutors alike – where else could these dreams have been fulfilled and just as importantly how else could this river of talent been tapped and flow out to the greater good of the community.

Yours sincerely,


A NEW IMPRESSED CENTRE USER

FIRST STEPS WOMENS CENTRE

 
First Steps Women’s Centre has helped me in many ways.  In fact it has given me a life line, because before I started attending the Women’s Centre my social life was little or none.  I was lacking in confidence & had a low self esteem, but now I have much more confidence & feel much better about myself.  I have attended the following courses: Women on the web, Photography, Drama, Web Design, Moving On, Colour Me Beautiful & Women Progressing.  I thoroughly enjoyed each & every course that I attended.  I also made friends at the Women’s Centre as both the staff & the students are very friendly.  I hope the Women’s Centre will be able to carry on helping women like myself.

 
Una McVeigh

Quotes and Testimonials from women

First Steps Women's Centre prides itself in providing a professional service to all and for all women who attend the centre. As our mission statement suggests:

"To improve the quality of life for women through Education and Personal Development, supporting women to make choices for the future"

NVQ 2 Childcare, Learning and Development, Testimonial

Dear Janice,

I first heard of First Steps Women’s Centre from my sister who rang me and asked if I would be interested in the course Children’s Care, Learning and Development, NVQ Level 2 which you were running in Fivemiletown.

So far I have enjoyed the course. I have made many friends and it has been an opportunity to spend time with my sister as we sometimes go over the course work after class. The funding for travelling has been very much appreciated and the support from staff has been excellent. I look forward to returning now next month and if successful look forward to new part-time career as a class room assistant.

Thank-you for all your help and I wish you every success in your studies.

Yours faithfully,

Muriel Stewart

More Positive Feedback and Evaluations from Students 2008 -2009

"The course tutor and Coordinator are both excellent at their job.  I have got a 12 hour classroom assistant job out of doing this course so it has really given me a great advantage and job aspect."

"I have enjoyed the course, have made new friends and it has been a great opportunity to spend time with my sister,  as we sometimes go over the course work together after class...... the funding for traveling has been very much appreciated and the support from staff has been excellent.  Thank you for all your help..."

"I heard of this course in our local paper (Impartial Reporter).  I have always wanted to do a child care course and this was a great opportunity to do it.  The venue was most suitable in Fivemiletown, quite close to where I live.  I can take my own car and my children are grown up so I found it all unbelievable that I could have free time to do the course.  We received great support from the First Steps staff, any problems and they are more than willing to help us out."

"Having this qualification is an achievement for me, it has been a long time from my school days so it was all a new experience, maybe if the chance arises I will seek part-time employment.  I enjoyed meeting the tutor, all the girls on the course and we are like friends now.  This course has helped my confidence, socializing and maybe new opportunities."

"I have really enjoyed this course, meeting others.  The experience in the school with the children was all new to me and very enjoyable.  I do hope we will have more courses like this and they will be available to us so close to home."      Woman from Fivemiletown.

Woman with Rheumatoid Arthritus

I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis and had to give up work. I was home on my own most days and I became depressed and lost my confidence. Five years later I had a knee replacement. Having gained a bit more mobility I decided I needed to get out of the house and do something with my life.

I had seen the Women’s Centre advertised in the paper so I decided to give them a ring. It’s the best thing I ever did. Since that phone call I have done an IT course (ECDL), Digital Photography, Colour Awareness, Holistic Therapy and have just completed Web Design level 2. Hopefully there will be funding for level 3 next year (Sept 2009). I also hope to do Advanced ECDL.

I have regained my confidence since starting at the centre and would like to use the skills I have gained doing voluntary work.

I have made a lot of friends from the different courses I’ve done. The tutors are excellent and the staff are friendly and helpful (having had an accident in my car one morning the Centre provided me with transport to and from the centre until I got another car).

Thank you for the opportunity.

Maureen

My motivation for taking up this course “Moving On” was firstly for health reasons. I had become withdrawn and depressed lost my get up and go and my confidence.
Secondly it enabled me to identify my strengths, skills and achievements  and to look at what work would needed to be done to improve my employability, and of course gain a recognised qualification. Thirdly, I would be meeting other like minded individuals who also felt anxious, frustrated etc about what the future might hold for them.

The course was delivered by a very competent young lady in an informal setting at Blessingbourne Estate. It was a superb location. Edel (Course Tutor) guided us through the sessions with relative ease covering Communication, Assertiveness, Letter Writing, Realising Our True Worth. The interview, Job Search, and Job Applications, Curriculum Vitae’s etc – Each one held great value to me. I continue to attain the skill of thinking and maintaining a higher-self, through completing this course. All aims and objectives were met and I am more aware that I am dependent to a great extent on my own ability to stay positive. – I will continue to learn, look at new insights, ideas and revelations.

Have a beautiful mind and be happy.

Anonymous

One woman's comments on Maths Course

27th April 2009

I am delighted that I joined First Steps Women’s Centre as I have managed to get a maths qualification at last. I began by taking level 1 numeracy last year and continued into level 2 at the start of this year. I recently passed my exam and intend to take a course in teaching special needs as soon as possible. I couldn’t apply until I had a formal qualification in maths.

The fact that I was able to study during the day really helped as I am a parent and finding childcare at night can be a problem. Also, having two classes a week helped me to remember the information I learned.
The tutors and staff are friendly and helpful and do as much as they can to help the class along.

I would recommend the Women’s Centre to anyone who feels intimidated or nervous about tackling maths or any subject. I have gained a lot of confidence since starting the course and have enjoyed meeting new friends. Thank you all very much.

D.L.

IT Courses and General Testimonial

Dear Yvonne,

This is a letter of appreciation and thanks to you and your colleagues at First Steps Dungannon where I spent a wonderful time learning new skills and qualifications. I first heard about First Steps from a friend who had previously enrolled in several of your classes and had nothing but praise for the quality and standard of your work. As a result of her encouragement I too have been fortunate to study in this wonderful friendly and open environment. I went on to receive a diploma in Interior Design.
This experience has encouraged me to enrol in more courses at the First Steps Women’s Centre and I am currently looking for employment to suit my new skills and new found confidence.
This confidence is a result of the skills I received through the classes I attended, the people I met and the friends I have made during my time there.

Yours sincerely,

Jasmina

Testimonials from Clait/Beginners IT/ Web Design/ECDL

"The Centre has offered a wonderful opportunity to further my knowledge of computers.  I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending First Steps Women's Centre and our Tutor to anyone." ECDL

"This is a valuable course for everyone. It helps everyone develop within themselves and at their own ability."  Clait Diploma

I really enjoyed this course.  I am more confident now working on a computer, as before I was not sure how to send e-mails or didn't know anything about the internet."  Beginners IT

"Very enjoyable course.  Has greatly helped my personnal development and confidence in using a computer."  Clait Certificate

"I thought this course would be very demanding.  But the pace and the flexilility of the Tutor have ensured that it is very enjoyable and not at all stressful."  Web Design

One Woman from Clogher

First Steps Women’s Centre

                                                A few words about the Women’s Centre, I would describe it as a home from home, it is well kept, clean and a pleasure to work in. A place to meet new friends. One is greeted with a cup of tea or coffee on arrival, when the mornings were cold, the tea was appreciated.
The staff are friendly courteous and helpful to all the students, and the atmosphere is very good.
It was strange how I got to know about  the Women’s Centre, I was  at a Carer’s meeting in Clogher July 2006, when a brochure was handed around I jotted down the telephone number. Two days later I got in touch with the centre and spoke to Joan about doing a course. I was determined to try out a course so I signed up and never turned back.
Travelling from Clogher to Dungannon by bus worked fine, and the station is only a short distance away from the First Steps Women’s centre. The bus service from Enniskillen to Dungannon is great.
The mornings were going to be early but I was willing to give it a go. In fact the early morning didn’t bother me too much for this was the opportunity I could not miss out on!
The women’s centre has created many opportunities that inspired not only me but all the people who use it
A big thank you to Michael, Joan, and Yvonne for arranging the different courses. They are excellent!

Donation to Coffee Morning

Dear Yvonne
        I am sorry that I was unable to be at the coffee morning as we’ve been in London for a few days.
Please add the enclosed £10 to the proceeds of the morning
I enjoyed the classes taken by Jennifer, Patricia and Wendy, as well as the companionship of the other “pupils”. I’m glad to say that I now feel a little more confident now.  With computers and hopefully more skilful.
With best wishes to you and your colleagues at the Women’s Centre  

 yours sincerely    D. C.