Andrea La Touche talks Limerick Community Engagement, Lifelong Learning and her Journey

In this enlightening episode of our podcast, hosts Finbarr and Erin engage in a captivating conversation with Andrea La Touche, the Student Community Engagement Liaison Officer at the University of Limerick. Andrea shares her inspiring journey of returning to education, highlighting her experience as a student at the University of Limerick, where she also served as the President of the Postgraduate Student Union.

Hailing from Limerick, Andrea's illustrious career spans over two decades in Ireland's social care sector, encompassing roles in both public and tertiary education settings. Her expertise is deeply rooted in children's welfare and homelessness services, notably managing emergency accommodations for homeless families in Galway. A champion of rights-based advocacy, Andrea possesses extensive knowledge about organisational challenges that impede the realisation of individual rights.

Andrea's commitment to social causes extends to her profound interest in the welfare of asylum seekers and refugees in Ireland's direct provision system. Her educational journey as a mature student is equally impressive, holding a first-class BA (Honors) in Applied Social Care and an MS in Voluntary and Community Sector Management from the Limerick Institute of Technology and University College Cork, respectively. In 2019, she completed her MA in TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language) from the University of Limerick.

Her interaction with international students at UL profoundly influenced her involvement in the Postgraduate Student Union, fostering a vision for enhanced inclusivity within the UL community. Andrea's strategy aims to deepen connections among national and international students, thereby strengthening their ties to Limerick City and each other.

This episode not only highlights Andrea's remarkable journey and passion for her work but also delves into the topic of lifelong learning, showcasing her as a prime example and advocate. Additionally, the conversation takes a lighter turn with a discussion on one of Limerick's favorite sports - hurling.

Join us for this episode to discover the dynamic and impactful life of Andrea La Touche, a true testament to the power of lifelong learning and community engagement.

https://limerick2030.ie/

This episode is produced by the KBS Digital Hub-Grzegorz Rogala