Learners' Stories
Are you an Inspirational Adult Learner?
As part of the AONTAS Strategic plan it was identified that we would actively support our members to promote the value of adult and community education, profile their work and engage with local media and key agencies. The collection of case studies was seen as an integral part of this work and will complement our policy and promotional work.
AONTAS are currently compiling a database of case studies to promote the benefits of adult learning and highlight the way in which adult learning can change the lives of real people. On television, radio or newspapers, nothing is more effective than a real story from a real learner for demonstrating the benefits of returning to education.
We hope to highlight these stories on our website and in a range of our publications such as Explore and the Information Booklet. These stories will also be highlighted at AONTAS events such as the learners networks, the Community Education Network and of course the Adult Learners Festival.
If you an adult learner or know of an adult learner who wants to share their story and inspire other adults to return to education please remember we love to hear your success stories. If you have a story you would like to share why not e-mail your story to our Information Officer ,who will only be too delighted to hear from you.
"The personal satisfaction of engaging with education and developing a new way of thinking, coupled with the fact that I am now in a position to give back to my community is by far one of the biggest benefits attached to doing these courses"
-Vivienne June 2008
Learners Name: Vivienne Glanville
Title of Course: Women's Studies
Vivienne is currently the Development Worker with Clondalkin Women's Network. The aim of the Network is to support and build capacity amongst the 17 women's groups that make up the Network. Clondalkin Women's Network was established in response to the need for collective action in the community and for many years it has being successfully lobbying on behalf of the needs of the community. Vivienne and the staff of the Network believe that by creating a collective voice and sharing information the Network can make a difference.
It was through a women's group that Vivienne herself began her own personal lifelong learning journey. Little did she know that when she signed up begin a Certificate course in "Women's Studies" in 1999 that she would be competing her Masters in 2008. Through the local women's group Vivienne was very fortunate to be able to access the Certificate course being delivered by UCD through a Community Outreach Programme. Upon reflection she feels that the course gave women's community education a forum.
At first Vivienne wanted a taste of 3RD level education and the Certificate course certainly facilitated this. However when the course ended Vivienne had a new way of thinking and wanted to build on this knowledge. The Certificate was so successful in the area that the demand led to UCD offering to deliver a follow on with the introduction of a Diploma in Women's Studies.
Over the years Vivienne like most learners encountered challenges in her education. The financial costs of continuing education along with feeling alone in your study can be very difficult to overcome but not for her. She had the support of a Network and the now established Clondalkin Women's Community Education Forum. Through this she found the vital study support she needed to continue her learning. In response to the financial burdens the learners were experiencing the Network itself took some steps to support the group. These steps included; offering study space for the group to come together, provided learners with laptops, allowed learners to use photocopying and printing facilities and above all it offered each learner encouragement.
Vivienne finished her Diploma and then began an H.Dip which allowed her to advance to the Masters Programme with UCD. Even though the MA is not being ran in her community she feels that by starting with the Outreach Programme it gave her the confidence to progress to this level of learning. Vivienne acknowledges that by gaining a qualification it enabled her to gain employment and on a personal level she feels very lucky to have gained employment in her community.
If you would like to read more learners stories click here.
