About Cork Life Centre

Cork Life Centre is a voluntary organisation that offers education services for up to 55 young people between the ages of 12 and 18 who, for various reasons, have not thrived in a mainstream educational setting.  Based in a former monastery over- looking Cork City, over 60 staff members of the Centre, most of whom are volunteers or part-time workers, offer one-to-one or small group tuition to students pursuing Junior and Leaving Certificate, supporting them to prepare for state examinations.

At Cork Life Centre we endeavour to provide a unique and alternative environment for education.  The vision of Edmund Rice underlies how we do what we do – we believe in care for the disadvantaged and vulnerable; a strong opposition to poverty and injustice; equality of access and participation, and the fostering of leadership.  

Our model is based in the SERVOL ethos, founded on the basic question “How can I help you?” which views the personal development process as equal to the academic.  While acknowledging the importance of achieving state-recognised qualifications, our service also focuses on addressing the social and wellbeing needs of our young people in line with the SERVOL pillars of - a philosophy of ignorance, attentive listening and respectful intervention.

Cork Life Centre is an organisation built on the belief that everyone has the right to learn in an environment where they feel safe, included and respected.  We strive to provide a learning space that is understanding, supportive and open to all, with our dedicated staff committed to helping each young person reach their full potential.