Minister presents the MDI Dr. John Roche Education Bursary Award to celebrate the achievements of students living with neuromuscular conditions.
On 21st October, we hosted the presentation of the Dr. John Roche Education Bursary at the MDI Head Office. The event was a significant occasion attended by Minister for Finance, Jack Chambers, who presented the bursary awards. The families of the two recipients, Aaron Passmore and Andre Vysotskyi, were also present to celebrate the achievements of the awardees..
The Dr. John Roche Education Bursary provides financial support to students with neuromuscular conditions who are pursuing further or higher education at an institution recognised by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). The bursary, honouring Dr. John Roche’s lasting contributions to education and disability rights in Ireland, aims to empower students by enhancing their independence, supporting their academic pursuits, and enabling them to transition into meaningful employment.
Each year, two students receive a bursary of €1,000 annually, for the duration of their educational programme. This initiative aligns with Strategic Priority 2: Increase Access and Reach, by providing critical financial support to enable students living with neuromuscular conditions to achieve their academic goals and actively participate in society.
Bursary Recipients 2024:
Aaron Passmore, a final-year Veterinary Medicine student at UCD
Andre Vysotskyi, a final-year Game Design student at TU Dublin
Minister Jack Chambers highlighted the importance of education in empowering individuals with neuromuscular conditions and emphasised the vital role this bursary plays in supporting students like Aaron and Andre. He also spoke about Dr. John Roche’s tireless advocacy for education and independent living, which has left a legacy in Ireland’s disability rights movement.