„I thought I couldn't finish this.“

On 2 June, Arnar Már Hólmberg Þórsson, a graduate of Menntastoðir, and Sólrún Helga Guðmundsdóttir, a project manager at Mími-símenntun, appeared for an interview at The morning programme on Rás 2 where they discussed Education Grants at Mímir.

Many people have not found their place in the traditional school system and may even have had difficult experiences at school. As a result, some leave their studies and enter the job market without seeing a path to education or professional qualifications for themselves. The educational foundations at Mímir are aimed at this group; they have helped many to regain faith in their own abilities and have been the first stepping stone to further study.

Arnar Már Hólmberg Þórsson is one of those who have taken this path. He started secondary school like most of his peers but didn't find his place in that environment. Gradually, he lost interest and started working.

„I didn't see the point at the time and was just turning up because I had to,“ says Arnar.

After a few years in the workforce, however, he developed a desire to try something new. It was then that he discovered the Learning Centres at Mími-símenntun.

At first, he doubted that he could complete the course.

„I thought to myself that I probably wouldn't manage it, because my confidence in my studies had become low,” he says.

However, the experience was quite different, and Arnar is now graduating with flying colours from Menntastoðir.

Support and community

One of the things Arnar mentions specifically in the interview is how important it was to meet people in a similar situation.

„Many people had a similar story to me. We helped each other, supported one another and received good guidance. That made a big difference.

He says that the course not only increased his knowledge but also his self-confidence. It was important to experience that studying could suit him, despite his previous experience.

Flexible study path

Sólrún Helga reported that the course is specially designed for those who have not found their feet in traditional schooling. Both are on offer. site survey and distance learning which enables people to balance their studies, work and family life.

Students who enrol in the Learning Centres receive powerful Support from careers advisers which help with planning, goal-setting and the next steps.

The student body is diverse and spans a wide age range. Some have recently left school, while others are returning to education after a long break.

New goals ahead

After completing the Education Foundations, Arnar's vision has become clearer. He was initially heading for a foundation degree, but has found a different path that suits him better.

He now intends to pursue studies in electrical engineering and technology. His interest in computers, electrical equipment and technical projects led him to explore new possibilities.

„Now I know better what I want to do. It's an incredible feeling to have found a direction that suits me,“ he says.

For those who have lost faith in their own academic abilities, he has a simple message: It is never too late to start again. With the right support, new avenues can open up and dreams that once seemed distant can become achievable goals.

Further information about the Education Foundations can be found here  but you can listen to the interview with Arnar and Sólrúnu Helgu here.