Kildare and Wicklow Strategy Launch Event
The KWETB Strategy Statement was officially unveiled in the presence of staff and Board members at the innovative MERITS Innovation ThinkSpace, establishing an optimistic outlook for the organisation’s future. The event highlighted the creativity and vision that characterise KWETB, with a focus on the organisation’s mission and core values throughout the morning proceedings.
Chair of Kildare and Wicklow ETB Board, Cllr Paul O’Brien with Chief Executive Dr Deirdre Keyes.
Attendees included Board Members, Learners, educators, and business representatives, who gathered alongside ETB Senior Leaders from various departments to commemorate this significant milestone. The environment fostered a spirit of collaboration and progressive thinking, underscoring KWETB’s dedication to innovation and excellence in education and community development.
Attendees were welcomed with music performed by talented musicians from Music Generation Kildare, setting a vibrant tone for the event. This was followed by a warm welcome from Ken Scully, Director of Schools and inspiring words from Cllr. Paul O’Brien, Chair of the Board of KWETB.
Áine O’Sullivan, Director of OSD, delivered a comprehensive overview of the Strategy Statement, which was complemented by a powerful video montage created by KWETB staff and students, showcasing their creativity and commitment.
We were also delighted to hear from Stuart McCaul, Founder of Ishikawa Technologies and CEO of Big Red Cloud, who shared valuable insights from the business community.
Learner voices were central to the event, with Sakhile Sibanda, a Healthcare graduate from Athy FET, and Saoirse McConn, a 5th-year student from St. Farnan’s, offering their meaningful reflections from their own educational journeys.
Director of Schools, Kens Scully welcoming Board members, staff and learners.
L-R; Principal Tom McDonald Naas CC, Director of Schools Ken Scully, Principal Brian Doran, Principal Patrick Maguire, Principal Siobhán McCauley, Principal Andrew Purcell and Principal Mike O’Byrne
The launch concluded with closing remarks from Chief Executive Deirdre Keyes, who reinforced KWETB’s values – Inclusion, Equality, Respect, Community, Integrity and Excellence and our shared vision for the future.
This fantastic event was more than a launch, it was a celebration of ideas, ambition, and the collective drive to shape the future of education and training in our region.
KWETB Board Members and ExecutiveBack Row
L-R; Cllr Avril Cronin, Director of FET Ken Seery, John Cullen, Cllr Rupert Heather, Cllr Dara Fitzpatrick, Director of Schools Ken Scully, Director of OSD Joe Kelly and Stephen Horan
Front Row L – R; Carol Nolan, Director of OSD Áine O’Sullivan, Chief Executive Dr Deirdre Keyes, KWETB Board Chairman Cllr Paul O’Brien, Elaine Finnerty and Maria Barry.
