NLN Graduation Ceremony 

Students from across Dublin came together for an evening of celebration as they received certificates for completing supported training courses at National Learning Network centres in Phibsboro, Mulhuddart, and Ballymun. 

National Learning Network (NLN) is a leading provider of inclusive training courses for people who need additional support with their education, including people who have physical, sensory, or intellectual disabilities, autism, mental health issues, or people recovering from an illness and accident. 

Hundreds of students, staff, families and friends gathered in Davis Theatre, Trinity College, on Thursday 24th October for the NLN graduation ceremony. 

Traci Marshall-Dowling, NLN Area Manager,(pictured above) opened the event, telling the audience that NLN “represents pathways to life, to friendships, to further education, and to jobs”. 

Several students addressed the delegates, including Gareth Brown from the Catering course, and Zara Ward from the Access course.

Rebecca Kearns (pictured above), a former student on the Fresh Start course, spoke to the delegates about how “the courses were great for self-reflection and creativity. I made some lifelong friends in my course.” 

Martin Gordon, Irish Paralympian (pictured above), was the Guest Speaker on the night.

Speaking about his own experience of disability, Gordon gave a rousing speech, encouraging students to push beyond boundaries and strive to achieve their individual goals. 

Gordon encouraged the students to: “Back yourself. Defy logic, defy perceptions.

“Show them your best self.

“You will be happy, fulfilled, and will meet incredible people along the way”. 

Students get ready to receive their certificates for graduating from NLN

Staff members of NLN gather for students graduation ceremony

Each graduating student was presented with a QQI certificate, having completed various training programmes aimed at developing their personal, social, and work-related skills, enabling them to secure jobs or go on to further or higher education.