Waterford learning initiative makes Awards shortlist
2 Feb 2011 04:22 PM
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
February 2nd 2011
Waterford learning initiative makes Awards shortlist
'Waterford Life - Now and Then' an intergenerational learning initiative which sees younger people helping older people to remember and document stories of past times in Waterford, has made the shortlist for the AONTAS STAR Awards. The STAR Awards recognise teamwork and quality within adult and community education. 'Now and Then' is one of twenty seven learning initiatives on a shortlist for the awards, with the winners to be announced at a special ceremony in Dublin on Monday February 21st.
'Waterford Life - Now and Then' is based in St Bridget's Family and Community Centre. A number of local groups worked together on the initiative - from the VEC to Respond Housing Association and the local Secondary School. Eleven transition year students and twelve older people worked together to compile a book about the area which covers themes about the area such as history, education and holidays.
Berni Brady, Director of AONTAS said - 'We're delighted to see an initiative like Now and Then on the shortlist. While many of the projects nominated this year show that adult learning can help prepare people for employment, it's also important to recognise that 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
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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 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.
