Give adult learning some credit! Nominate your local adult learning project for an AONTAS STAR Award
15 Oct 2009 03:06 PM
AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation, invites nominations for the 2010 STAR Awards for Adult Learning Projects. The awards which are now running for the fourth year, celebrate teamwork, and recognise the achievements of those involved in adult learning in a variety of settings around the country. Last year projects recognised in the awards included: an organic growing course in West Clare, a film produced by older men in Donegal, and a workplace learning initiative targeting lower skilled workers in Tallaght.
The current economic climate has created a real appetite for education and training amongst adults with many education providers struggling to meet the demand for courses. In 2008 AONTAS handled queries from over 1,000 unemployed people about adult education. This year that figure has already jumped to over 3,000. Popular current options include anything from courses on renewable energy, to childcare, to Access Courses designed to support adults pursuing a university education. 'Particularly worrying is the length of time people have spent out of education. AONTAS has spoken to over 5,000 people this year about adult education - almost 4,000 of them had not taken part in any form of education for a ten year period. People in this situation are particularly vulnerable to long term unemployment,' said AONTAS Director Berni Brady.
Speaking about the awards initiative, she continued 'Adult learning is a cornerstone in building the smart economy. Many adults now face radical choices due to unemployment or redundancy and maybe considering alternative employment options. Contacting your local VEC or community centre can be the first step in finding a course that can open up those options. Long periods of unemployment and redundancy can also result in feelings of isolation and depression. Keeping your mind active is the best way of coping with change as well as brushing up on your skills or uncovering new ones.'
This year a judging panel of the highest calibre has been appointed, which brings together a diverse group of organisations and agencies involved in the delivery of adult learning. These organisations include the VEC, FÁS, ICTU Learning Skills Network, Institutes of Technology, NUI Maynooth, VTOS, Pobal, the Small Firms Association, the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, the National Centre for Partnership and Performance, as well as people who have direct experience of learning as adults. This year's judging panel has been extended due to the phenomenal response to the awards - which increased from a number of forty in its first year to two hundred and fifty last year.
Nominations for the awards initiative can be submitted online through the website www.adultlearnersfestival.com, or by email to mail@aontas.com, and must be submitted to AONTAS by Friday November 27th.
The awards ceremony takes place on Monday February 22nd 2010 at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham when the winners will be announced. The ceremony marks the official opening of the Adult Learners' Festival 2010 - a week long event which aims to highlight the benefits of adult learning. This years' Festival will promote the theme of collaboration between the main organisations responsible for the delivery of training and education for adults. 'By working together, and given adequate resources, we can ensure that all adults have the opportunities to create, prepare for and benefit from economic recovery', concluded Ms Brady.
ENDS
For further information/media queries, contact:
Niamh Farren, Communications Officer: 01 406 8220/ 087 911 0569
Notes to Editor
1. AONTAS is the National Adult Learning Organisation, with members including learners and providers of education around the country.
2. Adult Learning Projects can be nominated under the following categories:
- Projects that have a nationwide or all-island reach
For example: national or all-island organisations or companies, groups with a national or all-island remit or projects that are targeted at, open to or involve learners and /or practitioners from throughout the island of Ireland.
One STAR Award will be granted in this category.
- Projects that have a provincial or county-wide reach
For example: Vocational Education Committees, County or City Councils, County or City Development Boards, groups providing county or province-wide services, or projects that are targeted at, open to or involve learners and / or practitioners from throughout an entire county or province.
Five awards will be granted in this category - one in each of the following areas: Connaught, Dublin City and County, Leinster (excluding Dublin), Munster and Ulster.
- Projects that have a local or community-based reach
For example: community-based groups, community partnerships, adult learning colleges and organisations that have a local remit, or projects that are targeted at, open to or involve learners and / or practitioners from a specific local community.
Five awards will be granted in this category - one in each of the following areas: Connaught, Dublin City and County, Leinster (excluding Dublin), Munster and Ulster.
- Projects that are in progress
For example, collaborative learning or education activities which were started over the past two years and are not yet complete.
One award will be granted in this category.
- Projects that are once off initiatives
For example, production of a DVD/toolkit/ scrapbook.
One award will be granted in this category.
For more information visit www.adultlearnersfestival.com. or www.aontas.com.
