From “Fáilte Isteach” to Full Participation: How Community English Classes Are Opening Doors Across County Cavan

A quiet but powerful transformation is taking place every week in community centres across County Cavan. From Kingscourt to Belturbet, from Virginia to Cavan Town, people are coming together not just to learn English, but to build confidence, connection and opportunity. These Fáilte Isteach English Conversational Classes, supported and coordinated by Cavan County Local Development (CCLD), are proving that accessible, local learning can have a lasting impact on individuals and communities alike.

At a time when integration, employability and social inclusion are national priorities, this initiative offers a practical, people-centred response—one that is already delivering results on the ground.

A welcoming space to learn, connect and belong

The Fáilte Isteach model is built on a simple idea: everyone deserves a welcoming space to practise English, regardless of background, experience or level. The classes are informal, friendly and conversation-led, helping participants to improve everyday English while meeting new people and becoming more confident in their local area.

Classes are currently running at multiple locations and times to ensure maximum accessibility:

• Kingscourt Community Centre – Wednesdays, 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m.

• Bridge Street Centre, Cavan – Mondays, 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m.

• Bridge Street Centre & Ukrainian Centre, Cavan – Wednesdays, 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m.

• Show Centre, Virginia – Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m.

• Goods Store, Belturbet – Thursdays, 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m.

• Cavan Town Walk and Talk (meeting at Con Smith Park) – Tuesday evenings, 6.30 p.m.

In addition, new evening classes are planned for Swanlinbar, reflecting growing local demand and the need to accommodate people who are working during the day.

All classes are open to all levels, with no formal assessments and no pressure—just encouragement, conversation and community.

Supporting integration and local participation

For service users, the benefits are immediate and tangible. Participants report increased confidence when speaking to teachers, employers, doctors and neighbours. Many go on to engage more actively in community life, volunteering locally or progressing into further education and training.

The popular “Walk and Talk” sessions in Cavan Town are a particularly strong example of innovation at local level. By combining light physical activity with conversational English, the programme supports wellbeing, language development and social connection in an accessible, low-barrier format.

Alongside conversational classes, CCLD also delivers English for Professional Purposes, aimed at people who want to strengthen their workplace communication skills. These classes run on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. in Ballyjamesduff (Tulantasya, Ukrainian Centre), supporting participants to progress towards employment or career development.

Value for funders and policymakers

For funding bodies and statutory partners, this project demonstrates strong alignment with national policy objectives around social inclusion, migrant integration, lifelong learning and rural development. Delivery through trusted community venues ensures high participation rates and efficient use of resources, while the flexible, locally responsive model allows CCLD to adapt provision as needs change.

Crucially, the programme reaches people who may not otherwise engage with formal education or state services, helping to reduce isolation and remove barriers to participation. Outcomes extend beyond language acquisition, contributing to improved employability, community cohesion and individual wellbeing.

A story that matters locally and nationally

For local and national media, the Fáilte Isteach English Classes offer a positive, solutions-focused story. At a time when conversations about migration and integration can be polarised, this initiative highlights what works: practical support, local leadership and a welcoming approach rooted in community development values.

The programme also reflects the strength of partnership working across County Cavan, with community centres, volunteers and support organisations collaborating to create inclusive spaces where everyone is welcome.

Get involved

CCLD welcomes referrals, partnerships and enquiries from individuals, community groups and organisations. For more information, contact Hazel at hleahy@ccld.ie or via WhatsApp on 087 6951865.

Whether you are looking to improve your English, support someone else to do so, or understand how community-based programmes are delivering real impact, Fáilte Isteach is an invitation worth accepting.

The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is co-funded by the Irish Government, through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and the European Social Fund Plus under the Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (EIST) Programme 2021–2027.

Tá an Clár um Chuimsiú Sóisialta agus Gníomhachtú Pobail (SICAP) cómhaoinithe ag Rialtas na hÉireann, tríd an Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail agus Gaeltachta, agus Ciste Sóisialta na hEorpa Plus faoin gClár Fostaíochta, Cuimsithe, Scileanna agus Oiliúna (EIST) 2021–2027.