‘Many Happy Returns’– AONTAS reels in the years and launches Local and European Elections Campaign 2009
6 May 2009 09:06 AM
Today, Wednesday May 6th, AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation launched its campaign in the lead up to the Local and European elections 2009 at their Annual General Meeting which took place at the Ballsbridge Court Hotel. The Campaign, entitled 'Many Happy Returns' highlights the role of adult education in the current economic climate, and the challenges that need to be met given the current spotlight on education and training.
The campaign was launched against the backdrop of a major retrospective of forty years of adult learning in Ireland. Archive material in the form of newspaper articles, images and headlines were on display to tell the story of the development of the adult learning sector in Ireland. Professor Tom Collins from NUI Maynooth addressed those attending with his own unique take on the role of adult learning over the past four decades and how it can meet the challenges which lie ahead. Minister for Lifelong Learning ,Sean Haughey who retained his Junior Ministry in the recent shake up officially opened the event.
Since July 2008, the demand for education and training has increased dramatically in line with unemployment. In April 2009 Live Register figures stand at 11.4% and the ESRI has predicted that this figure will reach 17% by the end of 2010. Meanwhile, adult education providers are struggling to meet the public demand for learning. The numbers of people contacting the adult guidance service in 2009 have increased by 25% on 2008 figures. The numbers of people contacting AONTAS have also increased, with almost half of those describing themselves as 'newly unemployed'.
The Supplementary Budget in April 2009 featured a new 'activation' measure, including a number of places in full and part time education, as well as an increase in the number of places available on short time FÁS courses. 'However these initiatives are a drop in the ocean and will not go far enough to meeting the need for education and training out there', said AONTAS Director Berni Brady. 'Education and training providers are already struggling to meet the demands of people who want to take up some form of training and education. A recent embargo on staff recruitment within the VEC will put pressure on services such as Adult Guidance - which are often the first port of call for people returning to education.'
'Many of the cutbacks outlined in the Supplementary Budget are still beneath the radar' she continued. 'The community and voluntary sector will take a hit, and the National Women's Strategy, along with the Equality for Women's Measure have been cut by 50%. This will have an impact on the range of learning options for people locally.'
Other than the cutbacks proposed, a key issue for AONTAS is the availability of information regarding learning options. 'Callers to our Information Referral Service indicate confusion and frustration about the range of options open to them and who they need to contact. Stronger links must be formed between key agencies such as FÁS, the Department of Social Community and Family Affairs and the Adult Guidance Initiative' concluded Ms Brady.
ENDS
For more information, media queries and photographs, contact
Niamh Farren, Communications Officer 01 4068220/ 087 911 0569
Note to Editor
1.The Supplementary Budget 2009. The government has promised 6910 places in further education under an 'activation' measure. These include
- 2980 full time places in full time third level education, including 700 places on the Redundant Apprentice Scheme
- 2430 places in part time third level education
- 1500 additional PLC places
In addition the government has promised
- 14,000 additional places for short time FÁS courses
- 277 places on a new Pilot Training Scheme for workers in vulnerable employment
- Changes to the criteria for the Back to Education Allowance.
The Budget also outlines other cutbacks which will affect the delivery of adult education, including:
- Cutbacks to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
- A recruitment embargo on staff within local VECs.
- Cutbacks to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
2. 'Many Happy Returns'- is AONTAS Campaign for the Local and European Elections Campaign 2009. This year AONTAS celebrates 40 years of Many Happy Returns from adult learning. The campaign includes a birthday card which summarises key issues for the adult learning sector, as well as a briefing document. Both documents are available from www.aontas.com.
3. AONTAS is the National Adult Learning Organisation. On May 6th AONTAS celebrated their fortieth birthday at the AGM which took place at the Ballsbridge Court Hotel, Pembroke Rd (formerly the Berkeley Court Hotel) from 11 am until 1pm.
