AONTAS STARS shine at Awards Ceremony
22 Feb 2010 05:37 PM
PRESS RELEASE
Embargo : 5pm 22nd February
AONTAS STARS shine at Awards Ceremony
The efforts of thirteen outstanding adult education organisations were highlighted at the AONTAS STAR Awards Ceremony at No. 6 Kildare Street this afternoon, Monday 22nd February.
The awards highlight the role of adult education in the current economic climate and reflect some of the key concerns at the moment - these include the increasing demand for upskilling and reskilling initiatives, as well as adults rising interest in third level education. Award winners come from Longford, Limerick, Dublin, Donegal, Laois, Mayo and Carlow.
The awards ceremony marks the official opening of the fourth AONTAS Adult Learners' Festival, with over 250 events taking place nationwide, all on various aspects of adult education throughout the week. Events will provide information on current education options for adults, but also involve a variety of organisations such as libraries, galleries and groups such as GIY Ireland.
Minister for Lifelong Learning, Sean Haughey TD, who officially opened the Festival, said 'In relation to the real stars today - you, the learners - I want to heartily congratulate each and every one of you on your significant achievement. You should feel very proud of your success.'
Orla Barry, Newstalk presenter, was the guest speaker at the event. The popular broadcaster is herself a 'lifelong learner', regularly signing up for courses, and is currently a Masters student at UCD. (Insert quote) .
The theme of the festival is 'Better Together' - and promotes greater collaboration in the adult education sector, which results in more accurate information on eligibility for those seeking to enrol in courses, as well as clearer progression options for those taking part in education and training. 'Collaboration is clearly the way to go, said Ms Brady. Just last week we saw UL and NUI Galway come together in a strategic alliance in order to 'work smarter.' This type of approach will also yield benefits to the adult education sector. The adult and community education service has to date developed in a disparate and ad hoc way. Many adult education programmes have developed separately and work independently of each other.'
'This is a very appropriate theme and one which very much supports and compliments my own view as Minister for Lifelong Learning - that working in partnership generates infinitely better outcomes,' continued the Minister. 'By working together, as administrators, providers and indeed, as participants, there is no limit to what we can achieve.'
Speaking at the ceremony, Berni Brady, Director of AONTAS said, 'Latest unemployment figures (January 2010) stand at 12.7%. Retraining and upskilling opportunities are the most effective response in countering unemployment, by preparing people for new employment opportunities when they arise and assisting people to cope with the loss of confidence that often accompanies redundancy and unemployment.'
Events throughout the week include a 'Green Learning Day' on Tuesday 23rd, and the launch of 'Beyond the Classroom' - a series of television programmes about community education funded through the BAI Sound and Vision Fund. Thursday promotes 'Learn at Work' and on Friday learners and adult education providers will meet with the Minister and Education Spokespeople to discuss the current challenges - in a similar format to a constituency clinic.
For more information/ contact with winning projects, contact
Niamh Farren, Communications Officer 087 911 0569
Notes to Editor
Award winners:
First Steps Women's Centre (co. Tyrone)
Downtown Centre (Limerick City)
Revamp Training Centre (Longford)
RADE - Recovery through Art, Drama and Education (Dublin)
Women's Health and Wellbeing Programme (Donegal)
National Learning Network (Limerick)
Co. Longford Adult Educational Guidance Service
Soilse Career Guidance Service (Dublin)
The Luisne Art Project (Mayo)
Open Training College (based in Dublin, national focus)
How to Learn English in Ireland (Laois - radio series broadcast on Dublin South Community Radio)
A Song for All (Carlow)
National Certificate in Butchering Skills (based in Dublin, national focus)
