AONTAS Learners' Networks
22 Jun 2006 02:34 PM
The aim of these meetings is to give learners a chance to meet each other in their area, to provide a space to share experiences and for AONTAS to provide information on developments at national level with learners. They will also be used to feed into the policy work of AONTAS and the member organisation involved, so as to ensure that we are responsive to the needs of learners.
The first meeting was held solely for men's groups in the Dublin area; our members involved comprised Ballymun Men's Centre and Dublin Men's Coalition. Over twenty male learners attended the event in All Hallow's College, Dublin on 29th March 2006. The morning consisted of inputs from learners, an update on community education, and group discussions regarding issues of importance to learners. It is hoped that participants will also take part in a project to document their learning experiences; all stories received will be published in the autumn.
The following meeting was aimed at mature students in third level (full-time or part-time) and was held at the Teachers' Club, Dublin on May 3rd. Over twenty learners attended from a number of AONTAS member organisations: educational institutions and community groups involved in outreach courses. Inputs at the meeting were provided by Maire Garvey (Mater Dei, DCU and NIMSO member), Finola McDonnell, AONTAS Policy Officer and from a mature student, Stephen Stewart. Discussion groups were created on the basis of issues raised by the participants and covered: financial implication for mature students, institutional supports and the application process.
The next meeting was held in Waterford on Friday 16th June 2006 in conjunction with the Men's Development Network and was aimed specifically at male learners. Over twenty learners attended the meeting and inputs on the morning provided the basis for a lively discussion that covered issues such as: the challenges of returning to learning, which included learners sharing their experiences; workbased learning; and aspects of community education.
If you are interested in being a part of a network or would like any further information please contact Niamh O'Reilly, Membership Development Officer, on 01 4068220 or email noreilly@aontas.com.
