AONTAS makes submission to Higher Education Strategy
The Policy and Promotion Team in AONTAS recently contributed to the debate on Higher Education in Ireland by making a submission to the National Strategy on Higher Education in June 2009. We identified three significant changes that need to be made to higher education in Ireland including:
1. The need for more flexible learning opportunities for adult learners taking into account their work and caring responsibilities.
2. The need for a change in the culture and attitude of higher education institutions to ensure the distinct needs of adult learners are met
3. The need for better financial supports for adult learners in higher education including revising the eligibility for maintenance grants for part time mature students.
From AONTAS perspective the National Strategy for Higher Education presents a real opportunity to ensure adult learners returning to higher education are resourced and supported as well as their full time school leaving counterparts.
To read the submission in full, click here.
AONTAS celebrates Many Happy Returns!
On Wednesday May 6th 2009, AONTAS celebrated it's fortieth birthday with a major retrospective on adult learning over the past four decades in Ireland. This included a large visual display of archive material, photos and articles tracking the development of the adult learning sector. The retrospective was part of the Annual General Meeting which was opened by Minister for Lifelong Learning, Sean Haughey. Professor Tom Collins of NUI Maynooth gave the keynote address. Click here for the presentations from the AGM.
The AGM also marked the launch of 'Many Happy Returns' - AONTAS Local and European Election Campaign 2009.Click here for the latest campaign information!
Making a case for investment in adult learning!
Earlier in the year, we spoke to a number of people from Irish public life, and asked them to make a case for investment in adult learning. They included Sally Ann Kinihan from ICTU, Turlough O'Sullivan from IBEC, Professor Kathleen Lynch from UCD, Professor Colm Harmon, Director of the Geary Institute, Mary Davis, Director of Special Olympics Europe and Professor Tom Collins of NUI Maynooth.
Many thanks to NEAR tv for filming these short pieces.
