Two years ago I got sick and could not work so I started a computer course in the N.L.N. And because my reading and writing wasn’t very good I started attending the adult learning centre.
It all started when I was in school. When I was in second class our teacher who was a gentleman because he did not believe in punishment but if we did any thing wrong he would send us up stairs to the reverend brother principal as he called him.
We would sit outside the door for five minutes then go back down and pretend we were crying.
My father had a coal business so my self and my brother were always asking for half days off. When I would ask for a half day the teacher in third class would bring me out to the side of the class and ask me how much was a hundred of coal, and how much was a bail of briquettes, and how much is a gallon of oil or a bag of turf.
Answering questions was important. If you could not answer a question you would have to stand at the side of the class. Funny, nearly everyone ended up at the side of the class.
I was always able to tell him the prices and he would say to me if you were as good in school as in business you would be a genius. He would give me the time off.
Thank God because if you couldn’t answer any question you’d be caught by the back of the leg. Most lads screamed in pain but I didn’t. He asked me why he couldn’t hurt me. I answered “I’m working sir.”
I wasn’t very good in school in sixth class either apparently. I would be looking for half days too, so one day the headmaster took me to the side of the class he told me that I wasn’t going to pass my exams. He told me to ask my mother and father if they would like to take me out of school altogether. My parents could not make up their minds so I made it up for them. I told my brother to tell him that I was not coming back.
Then I started work in ‘Currans Enamel’ where I had a bad accident. I lost four fingers and from there I went to be trained in the rehabilitation centre in Dublin.
There I had a friend called Noel, he did not have much formal education. Noel was self educated from reading books. He could argue with priests or nuns or any body. He loved a good argument but sadly he died in a drowning accident.
Learning takes place both inside and outside the classroom. People might have said I was a slow learner but I learnt how to drive trucks, to weld and to run my own small business.
I have finished my ECDL. I am presently doing Databases and Sage. I am doing a FETAC course in Maths and Self Advocacy. I am part of the book club.
I have even done yoga.
I have now written three stories two of which have been published in news letters I am proud to say. Adult education is nothing like school you meet a lot of new friends have great fun.
I was a bit nervous approaching the Adult learning office but I needn’t have been. I was made at home from the first time I entered the centre.
So if there is anybody out there who needs help don’t be afraid to ask. All you have to do is ask. That’s what I did.
Speech by.
Anthony Phelan.
4/2/08
