AONTAS Learner Networks
Join a Learner Network!
Learner Networks are all about bringing learners together: to allow learners to meet and share experiences; to ensure that we are aware of the challenges facing learners so that we can lobby for your needs; and to empower learners to take action on their issues locally and through AONTAS nationally. Are you interested in getting involved email Niamh O'Reilly or phone 01 4068220.
Older Learner Network
The first AONTAS Older Learner Network took place on the 16th July in Galway. An unprecedented attendance of almost 70 older learners convened in the Galway Bay Hotel where they had the opportunity to share experiences, highlight the challenges of older learners and to engage in discussion groups. Ger O'Neill, an older learner shared his experience to a captivated audience, this sparked further discussion and ideas in the workshops sessions.
Adele McKenna, Policy and Research Officer with AONTAS, gave an overview of what government policies affect older learners and spoke of the outcomes of a piece of research pertaining to older learners. Louise Richardson, CEO of the Older Women's Network was the guest speaker, she drew on her experience of the strength of networks and successful national lobbying campaigns for older people.
A report on the day will be available for download soon. For more information please contact Niamh O'Reilly or Dympna Larkin or phone 01 4068220 for more information.
Background to Learner Networks
As part of the AONTAS Strategic Plan 2007-2010 Learner Networks were identified under Practice as an area of work:
'Further develop adult learner networks as fora for exchange of information and practice and support learners to participate in the work of AONTAS.'
From the learning obtained since the first set of networks a number of key links are required to engage learners. Existing learner groups and active learners from our membership are excellent at garnering support for the creation of networks. Also the involvement of, and collaboration with, organisers and providers of adult and community education who express an interest in being a part of the networks is pivotal to their success. What this network would look like and how it could grow and evolve is outlined below.
The aim of the learner network
1. To act as a local representative body for learners
2. To be an action driven forum for learners
3. To give learners the opportunity to meet each other in their area
4. To share experiences with each other
5. To facilitate and empower learners to take action on issues that affect them
6. To use the information obtained to feed into the policy work of AONTAS and ensure we are responsive to the needs of learners
7. To feed into the policy work of the member organisation
8. To share information on policy at national level
Information obtained will feed into the following areas of work:
- Policy - It will feed directly into policy work and will be used as a space to identify and gather information on specific policy areas. Learners will have the opportunity to contribute to focus groups for other organisations (HEA, FETAC etc.)
- Promotion - It will provide information on: the experiences of learners and links for case studies. It will raise the profile of AONTAS and feed into the Adult Learners' Festival.
- Practice - It will be part of increasing the capacity of our members by feeding outcomes of meetings into the member organisation. It will inform best practice on creating adult learner networks
- Partnership - It will allow learners from various backgrounds and organisations to come together and share experience. Networks will involve the collaboration of a number of organisations.
- People - It will be a space for the networking of learners
An Example of the Content of the day
It is envisaged that a number of fora will be held initially and a large forum for all networks later in the year.
Time: approx 10.30am - 2pm
- Introductions and networking
- Presentations
- What is happening at national level
- Resources useful to adult learners
- One student's experience
- Exploration of the themes
- Discussion groups
- Feedback on agreed areas to feed into AONTAS
- Evaluation of the day
- Networking session
If you are interested in being part of the learner networks please contact Niamh on noreilly@aontas.com phone 01 4068220 or leave a message here
