Galway learning initiatives make Awards shortlist
2 Feb 2011 04:18 PM
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Monday, 31 January 2011
Galway learning initiatives make Awards shortlist
Two initiatives which demonstrate the role of adult learning in contributing to the local economy have been shortlisted for AONTAS STAR Awards. The Countryside Guides Programme trains local people to use their knowledge of Connemara to pursue careers as tour guides, and was delivered by County Galway VEC. Meanwhile on Inis Oirr, a group of local women have been perfecting the local tradition of patchwork quilting, and are developing a local retail business for their handiwork.
There are a total of twenty seven learning initiatives on the shortlist for the awards, with the winners to be announced at a special ceremony in Dublin on Monday February 21st.
Berni Brady, Director of AONTAS said - 'We're delighted to see initiatives like Mná le Chéile and the Countryside Guides Programme on the shortlist. Both of these initiatives show how adult learning can have an impact on the local economy and support entrepreneurship. It's also important to recognise that adult learning can have real personal and social benefits as well.'
The shortlist and winning projects are decided by an Independent Judging Panel, which includes representatives from the NQAI, FÁS, the VEC, trade unions and academia. This year a total of 84 projects were nominated for awards. Michael D. Higgins, President of the Labour Party and TD for Galway West will give a keynote address at the ceremony. The ceremony itself will be opened by Sean Haughey TD, Minister for Lifelong Learning.
The STAR award is now in its fifth year, and the ceremony is the official opening of the Adult Learners' Festival. Throughout the week a number of events aimed at providing information to adult learners, showcasing the value of adult learning and celebrating the achievements of adult learners will take place.
ENDS
For more information contact:
Niamh Farren, Communications Officer 01 406 8220/ 087 911 0569
Note to Editor
1. AONTAS : the voice of adult learning. AONTAS is the National Adult Learning Organisation, a membership organisation funded by the Department of Education and Skills. The mission of AONTAS is to advocate for the right of every adult in Ireland to quality learning.
2. For more details on the STAR Awards initiative and the Adult Learners' Festival visit www.adultlearnersfestival.com. The Festival is supported by the Department of Education and Skills, FETAC, the NQAI, the TUI and ASTI. The Adult Learners' Festival takes place from February 21st to 25th.
3. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Monday February 21st at the D4 Berkeley Hotel in Ballsbridge.
