Community Engagement and Rural Education   

Overview

Schools are at the heart of their communities - especially in rural areas. Yet teachers often wonder how to connect classroom learning with the wider world outside the school gates. This course explores how educators can use community engagement, rural development initiatives, and place-based learning to make education more relevant, inclusive, and inspiring.

At Blackwater Training, we have created this Erasmus+ Teacher Training course to help teachers strengthen school–community links, use local heritage and environment as teaching resources, and prepare students to become active citizens in both rural and global contexts.

Who is it for?

This course is ideal for:

• Primary and secondary teachers

• VET and adult educators 

• School leaders seeking stronger community links 

• Educators in rural or semi-rural settings

• Professionals 

Course Aims

By the end of this programme, participants will be able to:

• Understand how schools can better collaborate with local communities and organisations.

• Use place-based learning to connect education with rural heritage and environment.

• Explore case studies of rural development and community engagement in Ireland.

• Develop practical projects that link classroom learning with local action.

• Build confidence in engaging students as active citizens. 

Methodology

This course uses experiential and participatory methods, including:

• Workshops on community engagement strategies

• Field visits to rural initiatives and community projects in Ireland

• Case studies from local schools and organisations

• Project-based learning where participants design their own community-focused activities

• Reflection and peer exchange to adapt ideas for home contexts. 

Sample Programme (6 Days)

• Day 1 – Schools and Communities: Building Connections

• Day 2 – Place-Based Learning in Rural Education

• Day 3 – Rural Development in Action

• Day 4 – Designing Community Projects in Schools

• Day 5 – Sharing and Action Planning

• Day 6 – Cultural day: Visit to be discussed, certification and reflection

Outcomes

Participants will leave with:

• A deeper understanding of school-community collaboration 
• Practical methods for using place-based learning in their teaching 
• Project plans that link classroom learning with community action 
• Inspiration from Irish rural and community development models 

• Certificate of attendance (Europass documentation available)

Practical Information

• Duration: 6 days (5 training + 1 cultural visit)

• Location: Baileborough, Co. Cavan (1 hour from Dublin)

• Group size: 10–20 participants

• Language: English

Fees

€400 per person – Training Only

• 5 full training days (30 hours)

• Training materials and resources

• Tea/coffee breaks

• Certificate of attendance (Europass documentation available)

€550 per person – Training + Cultural Package

• Everything in the Training Only package, plus:

• 1 full-day cultural excursion (e.g. Trim Castle, Boyne Valley, Dublin City)

• Guided cultural activities (music, heritage, storytelling, etc.)

• Organised group reflection and networking during the cultural visit

Accommodation and airport transfers can be arranged upon request. 

Why Blackwater Training?

Based in rural Ireland, Blackwater Training is uniquely placed to connect education with community life, rural development, and heritage. We bring together practical expertise, European perspectives, and cultural immersion to help teachers strengthen their role as facilitators of community learning.

Course Dates 

*Required dates not shown? Contact us.

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