An initiative to help the educationally disadvantaged through an emphasis on learner-centred education and social inclusion was launched by the Presentation Sisters at the weekend.
The plan, which includes an emphasis on human rights and ecology, marks a major shift by one of Ireland's largest religious congregations away from an almost exclusive involvement in formal schooling.
The sisters plan to use an internet and computer-based approach to offer opportunities to those not benefiting from the education system.
The Presentation Sisters Ireland Plan for Ministry 2007-2012 mission statement stresses that "education continues to be essential in the approach to our work".
The sisters say they will "pilot and mainstream a three-year national initiative in online learning for young people as a means to combat educational disadvantage and contribute to new ways of learning".
The order intends to "engage in influencing education policy in favour of those who have not benefited from the system to the same extent as others by identifying three key areas where change is needed".
The plan was launched on Saturday by Prof Tom Collins, head of education at NUI Maynooth, at a gathering of 140 Presentation Sisters and lay colleagues in the Montague Hotel, Portlaoise.
