MARY ROBINSON, AT THE OPENING OF WOODWORK TEACHERS AGM AND EXHIBITION, NEWBRIDGE, CO. KILDARE
FRIDAY 12TH OF MARCH, 1993.
- It is a great pleasure for me to be here at the invitation of the Organising Committee to open the Annual General Meeting of the Association of Woodwork Teachers and to view the exhibition of Materials and Construction projects undertaken by students.
- The exhibition here tonight is a celebration of the work of hands. Making things with our hands is instructive and tangible. "Doing" teaches far better than a thousand words.
- Working with our hands influences our whole personality. Handwork unites, creates, educates. The human hand is an extension of the brain. The work of the hand and the language of the hand are international; a common language understood by all. The touch of the hand brings people closer to one another. Thus, the hand unites. The hand creates. By using a tool the hand became the vital link in the development of the skilful human being.
- The hand educates. By doing things we learn skills that we need throughout our lives. Handwork strengthens and develops our imagination in a positive way. Before we make something, we must visualise the end-result and the means by which we can achieve that result. As the work progresses we test the accuracy of our vision and our knowledge. We become accustomed to the idea that by doing and making we can achieve, we can change the course of events, we can influence. We acquire dexterity and develop a sense of touch and form, and an ability to perceive three dimensional space.
- I am delighted that the girls and boys who produced the very fine work displayed here tonight trained their sensory skills by building these three-dimensional projects. The exhibition is a celebration of their skills. The sense of satisfaction and achievement which results from being able to design and produce to this standard and with such outstanding quality makes a special contribution to their development. The young persons who benefit from this experience have a sound foundation upon which they can build secure futures.
- The exhibition is also a tribute to you, the teachers, who are represented by the Association of Woodwork Teachers. The Association is devoted to the advancement of members' and students' interests. It is an ideal vehicle for the discussion of mutual concerns among your subject group and enables members to share and benefit from the experiences of the other members and to devise effective solutions to common problems.
- Teaching is a demanding profession. It is a profession that carries with it great responsibilities, reflected in the role that it has in shaping young people's attitudes and in imparting knowledge and skills that will play a predominant part in determining their futures.
- I am very conscious of the fact that this is a time of great change in education in Ireland and that the future holds many challenges for you, the members of your profession. You have always been distinguished by your commitment and dedication to your students and I know that you will continue to serve them with the same unswerving loyalty in the years ahead.
- The rapid pace of social change, the effects of new revolutionary technologies, the demands for new and additional skills that are relevant in an increasingly complex work environment, all of these represent change and challenge for your members. In the course of your conference you will address these and the many other issues that concern you and your students as you prepare for the challenges that the future holds. In addition to your own members, you will hear representatives of ICTU and, I am pleased to note, the education sector in Belfast. Your conference promises to be a very rewarding and stimulating one and I wish you well in your deliberations.
- Rath Dé ar an obair.