AONTAS - Latest News

CEO of Jobstown Education Centre to take leading role in National Adult Learning Organisation

Wed, 09 May 2012 16:19:00 +0100

Liz Waters, CEO of an Cosán, The Shanty Educational Project, has today May 9th been elected President of AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation.
AONTAS is a membership organisation, funded by the Department of Education and Skills. There are currently almost 550 members of AONTAS which include providers of adult and community education, community groups and individual adult learners. A new Executive Committee was elected today at the AGM of the organisation which took place at the Ashling Hotel Dublin.

As CEO of an Cosán, Ms Waters brings extensive experience of community education to the AONTAS Executive Committee. An Cosán has three operations: The Shanty Education and Training Centre, Rainbow House Early Years Education and Care Centre, and the Fledglings Social Enterprise Initiative which holds Fledglings Education and Training. An Cosán was originally set up by Senator Katherine Zappone and Dr. Ann Louise Gilligan to provide second chance education for women in the area. Currently over 600 adults and 150 children cross the threshold each week to take part in education programmes. Since it was founded in 1986 15,000 adults have undertaken second-chance adult education provided by An Cosán.

Speaking after the election, Ms Waters said 'this is an exciting time of opportunity and possibility. It is the time that adult and community education can really make a significant contribution to the social and economic recovery of this country. AONTAS is the organisation to ensure this happens. It is a privilege to nominated and elected to position of President and I look forward to working with Berni and all of the team in AONTAS."

Speaking on behalf of AONTAS, Director Berni Brady said 'We are delighted to see Liz take up the role of President in the organisation. An Cosán is a great example of what community education can achieve and we hope to promote this success at national level. Liz's Presidency will ensure that AONTAS commitment to promoting the social benefits of learning continue in the midst of a number of critical changes for adult and community education - most notably the formation of the new training and education authority SOLAS.

ENDS
Note to Editor
More information about an Cosán is available from www.ancosan.com
Other members of the AONTAS Executive are: Lorraine Cunningham (Blayney Blades), Colm Kilgallon (All Hallows), Lorraine Hennessy (INOU), Tara Farrell (Longford Women's Link), Mary Farrell (Co. Longford VEC)
Members of the AONTAS Executive (including the President) participate in a voluntary capacity.

Lessons learned from the first year in office - Government has taken 3 key steps in tackling the skills challenge, says AONTAS

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:17:00 +0100

One year on the government faces a significant skills challenge but has taken important steps in the right direction, said AONTAS Director Berni Brady. Lifelong learning, adult and community education were named in the Programme for Government last year as having a significant role to play in recovery.

Minister for Training and Skills Ciaran Cannon recently participated in an event involving almost thirty adult learners who spoke to him about how the delivery of adult education and training could be enhanced. Some of the barriers identified by participants at the event included the lack of information about the range of programmes available, poor awareness about adult guidance, lack of flexibility in moving from one programme to another and the difficulty in making professional connections with new employers when changing career.

Over the past year the government has taken three key steps which will affect the structure, delivery and experience of training and education in Ireland.

These steps are:

1. Dismantling of FÁS and building of a new Training and Education Authority SOLAS
In June 2011 Minister for Education and Skills Ruairi Quinn announced the dismantling of FÁS and the development of a new agency which for the first time will bring together the further education and training services. 'This constitutes a radical change in that education and training were previously co-ordinated by different agencies and government departments,' said Ms Brady. 'But the challenges faced by SOLAS are enormous. Firstly, the new authority must break away from its previous mistakes and reinvent itself. In our recent submission to SOLAS we highlighted how values such as transparency and accountability need to be built into its new governance structure. An integrated quality service should cater for the wide range of learning needs ranging across skills training for the Labour Market, upskilling, personal development, social, cultural and civic development. SOLAS also faces the immediate challenge of how to provide education and training opportunities for the 14.2% of people who are on the live register.'

'Training and education opportunities directed at people who are unemployed must be relevant to the labour market but must also present them with realistic options based on their existing qualifications and employment history. We call on the new agency to actively consult with people taking up and participating in education and training with a view to delivering a better service all around.'

2. Introduction of the Pathways to Work Programme to assist people to prepare for employment
The development of the National Employment and Entitlements Service (NEES) and the recent launch of the Pathways to Work programme proposes stronger connections between SOLAS and the social protection system. 'A huge number of adults who are in contact with us are on the live register and actively seeking to enhance their skills' continued Ms Brady. 'For many of them, making the transition from one career to another is extremely challenging. Access to adult guidance in this case is vital - to help people make the right choices about what to do next. The new Pathways to Work Programme must make good use of the existing VEC based guidance services to help people get on the right track. Sending people on endless courses which lead nowhere will only leads to frustration for those participating and will ultimately waste valuable resources.'

3. Investment in new training/education programmes to meet emerging employment opportunities
One of the strongest commitments about adult education made in last year's Programme for Government was to expand the number of training and education places available to people across the further and higher education system. In May 2011 the government launched Springboard, which offered part time third level education places to almost 6,000 unemployed adults. Courses offered reskilling and upskilling opportunities in anything from cloud computing to pharmaceuticals. A second call for proposals for Springboard was launched recently. Budget 2012 also promised a €10 million fund for a new round of Labour Market Activation Measures which will target people at the lower end of the skills spectrum.

Feedback from these initiatives has generally been positive. 84% of Springboard participants consulted by the HEA have described their experience to date as positive. While the introduction of these new measures is welcome, there must be a greater level of information available to people about these initiatives - through the media and also through frontline staff in the Department of Social Protection. There must be a greater emphasis on engaging those on the lower end of the skills scale and supporting them to get on and move up the qualifications ladder - as these are the people who are most at risk during a recession' she concluded.

ENDS
For further information contact:

Niamh Farren: Communications Officer 01 406 8220/ 087 911 0569

Note to Editor

1. AONTAS is the National Adult Learning Organisation. AONTAS advocates for the right of every adult in Ireland to quality learning. For more information about AONTAS visit www.aontas.com.
2. AONTAS submission to SOLAS (January 2012) is available from http://www.aontas.com/pubsandlinks/publications/aontas-submission-on-solas-consultation-process/.

New training and education authority SOLAS must provide new directions for adult learners

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 10:37:00 +0100

Clear, up to date information, guidance in making course choices, and a flexible system which enhances skills and access to the labour market were just three of the issues raised by a group of thirty adult learners who met with Minister for Training and Skills Ciaran Cannon, along with two other members of the Implementation Group for SOLAS, the new training and education authority which replaces FÁS.

'SOLAS - serving adult learners' was an event organised by AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation which took place at the Davenport Hotel in Dublin. 'Unlike other services, adult learners are quite often not consulted about how the service could be designed to meet their needs,' said Berni Brady, Director of AONTAS. 'Today we brought together thirty adults who are currently, or have just completed some form of education or training to improve their qualifications and prospects of gaining employment. All of them have varying educational backgrounds - from literacy right through to third level. Despite these differences, some common barriers emerge - difficulties in accessing information to get on a course and difficulties in making choices about the right course which will lead to employment. The system needs to be responsive to the needs of adults participating along with the needs of the labour market. '

'The new Pathways to Work programme launched yesterday outlined the need for greater engagement with employers, and this has emerged as a key challenge today' said Ms Brady. Many people at today's event have taken part in a number of training and education courses to improve their skills. When they complete the course, lack of contacts and support on where to bring those skills is an issue', she continued. 'Pushing people onto courses without a planning and guidance is not a good use of resources.'

While it is the case that some people who have been made unemployed are highly skilled, data also indicates that a substantial percentage of the workforce are still at the lower end of the skills scale. A study by the Labour Market Research Unit for the Expert Group on Future Skills needs last year found that just under 20% of the workforce have less than upper level secondary school education. 30% of people who are unemployed have lower secondary level education and amongst this group the percentage of those experiencing long term unemployment continues to rise. 'In short, we believe that it is not enough to provide education that is right for the labour market; it also needs to be right for people who wish to take up those opportunities. We know that people at the lower end of the skills scale are most vulnerable during a recession as they won't have the same options as their highly skilled counterparts' said Ms Brady. 'We also know that it is extremely challenging for adults to re-enter education following long periods of time outside of the formal education system.'

The event focused on three key questions - what adults need to access training and education, what adults need to stay with a course, and what adults need to progress onto further education and employment.

Responding to the discussion, Minister for Training and Skills, Ciaran Cannon said: 'While we know that massive changes need to occur, we are now well on the way to making SOLAS happen. We are tapping into the collective wisdom of both the VEC sector and FÁS - taking the best out of both sectors and creating a new entity. This wisdom, combined with new ideas, will help us respond to the challenges ahead and develop further education and training.'

Paul O'Toole, Director General of FÁS, said: 'We work in a structured environment, we are ultimately there to help people. We need to take people along a path to unlock their potential.'
'Initial plans for the development of SOLAS outline a strong commitment to listening to adult learners' said Ms Brady. 'AONTAS is committed to ensuring that the voice of adults trying to access, move through and move on from further education and training is heard', she concluded.

ENDS

For more information contact
Niamh Farren Communications Officer 087 911 0569

Note to Editor
1. Minister for Education and Skills Ruairi Quinn announced the disbandment of FÁS in 2011. In late December 2011 the Department of Education and Skills opened up a consultation process, inviting stakeholders to submit ideas on the development of the new agency SOLAS which replaces FÁS. SOLAS aims to bring together education and training under one structure (where before it was highly fragmented) and offer a more co-ordinated approach which will eliminate duplication and ultimately allow people to access education and training as quickly as possible. A number of stakeholders with an interest in education and training made submissions earlier this year and the Department will hold a meeting shortly which will outline a clearer plan about how SOLAS will work.
2. For more information about AONTAS visit www.aontas.com

President Higgins presents STAR Awards to outstanding adult learning initiatives

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:11:00 +0100

Today (Monday February 20th) President Michael D. Higgins recognised the achievements of five outstanding adult education initiatives at the AONTAS STAR Awards Ceremony at the Burlington Hotel, Dublin. President Higgins announced the winners in five categories - Munster, Leinster, Connaught, Ulster and Nationwide, and presented them with their awards at a special ceremony which began at 11.30 am. Over 250 people attended the ceremony.

Speaking at the awards, President Higgins said, 'We know that career and indeed other opportunities are often determined by the level of educational attainment we achieve. For some the lifelong learning journey has been a natural progression through primary and second level and onwards but for others that experience may have been very different and the path of reengagement with the world of education may seem daunting and uncertain. Many of the groups nominated for the Awards today have done wonderful work within communities in helping others with previously low levels of education to resume the journey.'

Award winners this year include Age Action Ireland for their 'Getting Started' programme, Croí na Gaillimhe Resource Centre (a St Vincent de Paul centre in Galway), Limerick Community Education Network and the Knockmay Women's Quilting Project from Portaoise. 'Destined'- a bespoke learning and development programme for people with intellectual disabilities delivered by NICVA (Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action) was the recipient of the Ulster Award. Music at the ceremony was provided by the Ballymun Lullaby Choir which includes a string group, a brass group and a choir group.

This is the sixth year that AONTAS has organised the STAR Awards. Berni Brady, Director of AONTAS said 'The STAR Awards has gone from strength to strength each year. When we started the initiative back in 2007 we received 43 nominations. This year, AONTAS received 119 nominations. The nominations give an insight into how adult education can respond to the learning needs of adults. Initiatives that have been shortlisted for these awards have really demonstrated strong outcomes to their work - helping people move onto further and higher education and employment. Through collaboration at local level, these initiatives are enhancing education services for people, contributing to the development of their communities and seeding ideas for small but sustainable social enterprises. For many adults around the country who are feeling disillusioned in these difficult times, adult education is offering them a second chance.'

Some of the initiatives shortlisted were developed by local VECs. Others have strong support from the private sector through the involvement of companies like Google and Intel. A number of organisations in the community and voluntary sector also featured in the shortlist - they include Focus Ireland, Age Action and the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed (INOU).

The Judging Panel for the STAR Awards this year brings together a number of experts in adult and community education. The panel includes representation from the VEC sector, Teagasc, Pobal, the NQAI (National Qualifications Authority of Ireland), the community sector, the Small Firms Association (SFA) and academia. The Judges had a difficult task in deciding on the winners this year. The initial 119 nominations were reduced to a shortlist of 41 projects. In early February, the judges travelled around the country to meet with the shortlisted projects. Speaking on behalf of the Judges, Claire Byrne from the NQAI said 'The winning projects demonstrated a high level of collaboration, imagination, entrepreneurial spirit and actively involved learners themselves. This really gave them the X factor.'

The STAR Awards is the opening event for the AONTAS Adult Learners' Festival, which takes place from February 20th to 24th. Over 350 events will take placed during the week of the Festival.

ENDS

For more information contact

Niamh Farren Communications Officer 01 406 8220/087 911 0569

Note to Editor

1. Photographs from the ceremony are available from AONTAS.
2. Details on the five winning projects are as follows:

Nationwide

Getting Started Programme: Age Action Ireland

The Getting Started Programme teaches older people (over 50s), basic computer and Internet skills. Teaching takes place on a one to one basis and is done by volunteers. The individual attention from tutors, who all give of their time for free, works very well with the older generation and builds confidence in their sense of being able to give this a go. These classes are taught in libraries, community centres, workplaces and in the Age Action offices.

Connaught

Croí na Gaillimhe Resource Centre

The Centre is based in Galway city and is part of the St Vincent de Paul society. Croí na Gaillimhe provides a social club for older people. It provides educational and developmental supports for young people and a wide range of educational programmes for the wider adult population. It also has a very active volunteer programme and an innovative intergenerational programme of learning.

Munster

Limerick Community Education Network

Limerick Community Education Network (LCEN) is a network of on-the-ground providers of community education and statutory agencies in Limerick City. Its aim is to ensure the continuation and further development of quality learning opportunities for adults. It provides a mechanism for community education providers to identify learners' needs and to work together to provide appropriate learning opportunities in a co-ordinated manner.

Leinster

Knockmay Women's Voice Quilting Project

The aims of the project was for the Knockmay Women's Voice Group to build the capacity of local women living in poverty and social exclusion, to empower the local women to express their experience of poverty and social exclusion and their dreams for change. This was done through a quilt of creative imagery and poetry. The completed quilt was hung in the foyer of their brand new community resource centre which was built as part of the regeneration of the Knockmay estate.

Ulster

Destined Level 3 Award in Effective Management

Destined for Success is an innovative 4 day bespoke accredited learning and development programme delivered by NICVA (Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action) aimed at helping Destined's Directors and Management Team develop the skills needed to perform their duties as the decision makers for the organisation. Destined's core ethos is based on the involvement and full participation of its members with a learning disability in all aspects of activity and at all levels of the decision making process. Their mission statement "access to citizenship through empowerment" reflects the importance placed on personal development for every member.

3 Clare adult learning organisations shortlisted for a Munster STAR Award

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:16:00 +0100

A Dragons Den style summer school, a Kilkee based currach building project and the Clare DEAL project (Development Education in Adult Learning) have all made the shortlist for the AONTAS STAR Awards this year. The Dragons Den summer school supported students at the VTOS Centre in Kilrush to develop ideas for new local enterprises. Seol Sionna is a VEC supported project based on the Loop Head peninsula which trained participants in boat building skills with the aim of producing a 19th century Shannon Hooker. The Clare DEAL project provides adult education with a global dimension, introducing learners to topics such as fair trade and debt.

The STAR Awards recognise outstanding examples of adult education in Ireland. This year five Awards will be given - four provincial awards and one nationwide award. The STAR Awards is now in its sixth year, with the number of entries increasing from last year. This year AONTAS received 119 entries from adult education organisations all around the country.

The winners will be announced at the STAR Awards Ceremony on February 20th.

The shortlist was developed by an Independent Judging Panel, who will now hit the road to meet with the ten hopeful groups. 'The judging panel has had to make some tough decisions this year' said AONTAS Director Berni Brady. 'There were 34 projects nominated in the Munster category, out of which ten made the shortlist. It's a real credit to organisations working in Clare. These three initiatives really demonstrate the diversity of adult learning - by supporting the development of rural enterprise, celebrating local cultures and making global connections. '

The next judging phase involves regional meetings with the shortlisted projects. During these meetings, organisations will be given the opportunity to talk to the judging panel and show why they should receive a STAR Award. 'We're encouraging the shortlisted groups to bring learners who have benefited from their services, or to show some of the work that they have done,' explained Ms Brady. The judges will then make a decision on a winner and a highly commended award in that category and the names will be held secret until the ceremony.

The judges will meet with shortlisted projects in the Munster Category at the Local Employment Service, Tait Business Centre, Limerick on Monday the 6th of February from 1pm to 5pm.

For more information/ contact
Niamh Farren, Communications Officer, AONTAS 01 406 8220/087 911 0569
Note to Editor
1. The STAR Awards is an initiative organised by AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation. The Awards showcase teamwork and award recognition to adult learning organisations. More information about the awards and the Adult Learners' Festival is available from www.adultlearnersfestival.com.

2. Award winners will be announced at the ceremony on February 20th at the Burlington Hotel.

2 Waterford Adult Learning Projects shortlisted for and AONTAS STAR Award

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:15:00 +0100

An adult education programme which skills people up to set up their own enterprises, and a cookery course which helps parents make healthier food for their families have both made the shortlist for the AONTAS STAR Awards this year. The Alternative Farm Enterprises Programme is based in Dunhill Co. Waterford, while the Family Cookery Programme has been developed by St Josephs Primary school, a DEIS school based in Dungarvan.

The winners will be announced at the STAR Awards Ceremony on February 20th.

The shortlist was developed by an Independent Judging Panel, who will now hit the road to meet with the ten hopeful groups. 'The judging panel has had to make some tough decisions this year' said AONTAS Director Berni Brady. 'There were 34 projects nominated in the Munster category, out of which ten made the shortlist. It's a real credit to organisations working in Waterford. These projects show how adult education can benefit people both in new career directions but also by improving their health.'

For more information/ contact

Niamh Farren, Communications Officer, AONTAS 01 406 8220/087 911 0569

2. Award winners will be announced at the ceremony on February 20th at the Burlington Hotel.

Five Galway education organisations make the shortlist for Connaught AONTAS STAR Awards

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:14:00 +0100

A community garden, a theatre company which provides training for adults with intellectual disabilities, a home and garden makeover project, a Men's Shed and a resource centre catering to the needs of older people have all been shortlisted for an AONTAS STAR Award in the Connaught category.

Ballinfoile Mór Community Garden is a partnership initiative developed by City of Galway VEC, Galway Partnership, Galway Co. Council and other agencies. The Clifden Home and Garden Programme was developed by County Galway VEC, the HSE and other agencies and provided skills and resources for low income families to improve their homes. Cumann na bhFear is a community Men's Shed based in Galway and part of the Irish Men's Sheds Association. Croí na Gaillimhe Resource Centre is a St Vincent de Paul resource centre in Galway city, and the Blue Teapot Company provides accredited training in the performing arts.

The winners will be announced at the STAR Awards Ceremony on February 20th.

The shortlist was developed by an Independent Judging Panel, who will now hit the road to meet with the seven hopeful groups. 'These projects are great examples of the diversity of adult learning', said AONTAS Director Berni Brady.

For more information/ contact
Niamh Farren, Communications Officer, AONTAS 01 406 8220/087 911 0569

Note to Editor
1. The STAR Awards is an initiative organised by AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation. The Awards showcase teamwork and award recognition to adult learning organisations. More information about the awards and the Adult Learners' Festival is available from www.adultlearnersfestival.com.
2. Award winners will be announced at the ceremony on February 20th at the Burlington Hotel.

Two Limerick Adult Learning initiatives shortlisted for Munster STAR Award

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:13:00 +0100

Two Limerick Adult Learning initiatives shortlisted for Munster STAR Award

Limerick Community Education Network (LCEN) which brings together Limerick VEC and a number of community groups in Limerick city and the Limerick Adult Learner Forum have both been shortlisted for an AONTAS STAR Award in the Munster category.

The winners will be announced at the STAR Awards Ceremony on February 20th.

The shortlist was developed by an Independent Judging Panel, who will now hit the road to meet with the ten hopeful groups. 'The judging panel has had to make some tough decisions this year' said AONTAS Director Berni Brady. 'There were 34 projects nominated in this category, out of which ten made the shortlist. Both of these initiatives show a highly creative approach towards the delivery of adult education and how learners can be involved in its delivery. '

The judges will meet with shortlisted projects in the Munster Category at the Local Employment Service, Tait Business Centre, Limerick on Monday the 6th of February from 1pm to 5pm.

For more information/ contact

Niamh Farren, Communications Officer, AONTAS 01 406 8220/087 911 0569

Two Mayo adult education organisations make the shortlist for AONTAS STAR Awards

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:12:00 +0100

Two Mayo adult education organisations make the shortlist for AONTAS STAR Awards

An education initiative which helps adults experiencing mental illness to progress onto education and training, and a VEC course which encourages rural men to take part in education and training have both been shortlisted for an AONTAS STAR Award in the Connaught category.

39 people have participated in the Freshstart programme in Belmullet Co. Mayo, a community based initiative supported by state agencies such as FÁS and the HSE. In Kiltimagh Further Education Centre, 170 men have taken part in the 'Men Making the Mould' programme developed by Co. Mayo VEC. 20% of those men progressed onto further education and 20% of them moved into employment as a direct result of their participation.

The winners will be announced at the STAR Awards Ceremony on February 20th.

The shortlist was developed by an Independent Judging Panel, who will now hit the road to meet with the seven hopeful groups. 'These projects prove that given the right learning environment and supports, adults can overcome significant barriers and progress onto further education and employment' said AONTAS Director Berni Brady.

The next judging phase involves regional meetings with the shortlisted projects. During these meetings, organisations will be given the opportunity to talk to the judging panel and show why they should receive a STAR Award. 'We're encouraging the shortlisted groups to bring learners who have benefited from their services, or to show some of the work that they have done,' explained Ms Brady. The judges will then make a decision on a winner in that category and the names will be kept secret until the ceremony.

The judges will meet with shortlisted projects in the Connaught Category at Croi na Gaillimhe Resource Centre, Mill Street Co. Galway on Tuesday the 7th of February from 11 am.

For more information/ contact

Niamh Farren, Communications Officer, AONTAS 01 406 8220/087 911 0569

Kerry Women’s education project shortlisted for a Munster STAR Award

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:11:00 +0100

A Kerry based education and training initiative which has encouraged women into further training, education and employment has been shortlisted for an AONTAS STAR Award. The Equality for Women's Measure based in North and East Kerry Development in Listowel provides further education and training to women in CastleIsland, Listowel and Tralee. The initiative has provided 96 women with the opportunity for FETAC Level 3 training in a variety of basic skills - while over thirty women involved in the project have progressed onto further education and third level. The initiative has been successful due to a high level of collaboration between a number of local organisations, these include local Adult Education Centres, Family Resource Centres and Partnership companies.

The winners will be announced at the STAR Awards Ceremony on February 20th.

The shortlist was developed by an Independent Judging Panel, who will now hit the road to meet with the ten hopeful groups. 'The judging panel has had to make some tough decisions this year' said AONTAS Director Berni Brady. 'There were 34 projects nominated in this category, out of which ten made the shortlist. This project shows how women can progress onto further education and training when given the right support.'

The judges will meet with shortlisted projects in the Munster Category at the Local Employment Service, Tait Business Centre, Limerick on Monday the 6th of February from 1pm to 5pm.

For more information/ contact

Niamh Farren, Communications Officer, AONTAS 01 406 8220/087 911 0569

Two Cork adult education organisations shortlisted for a Munster STAR Award

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:10:00 +0100

Two Cork adult education organisations shortlisted for a Munster STAR Award

A health education initiative which supports older people with the ageing process, and the Balllinacollig based 'Social and Health Education Project' have both been shortlisted for an AONTAS STAR Award in the Munster Category. The initiative, 'Physical Activity, Health and Ageing' involves students from the Sports Study and Physical Education Centre in UCC helping older people in a local Day Centre cope with aspects of ageing such as memory loss, nutrition and their physical health. The Social Health Education Project is supported by Co and City Cork VEC and provides community based learning opportunities for over 250 learners each year.

The winners will be announced at the STAR Awards Ceremony on February 20th.

The shortlist was developed by an Independent Judging Panel, who will now hit the road to meet with the ten hopeful groups. 'The judging panel has had to make some tough decisions this year' said AONTAS Director Berni Brady. 'There were 34 projects nominated in this category, out of which ten made the shortlist. Both of these projects show how adult education can result in personal benefits, such as health. The benefits include improvements to the quality of people's lives, as well as savings to the health budget.'

The judges will meet with shortlisted projects in the Munster Category at the Local Employment Service, Tait Business Centre, Limerick on Monday the 6th of February from 1pm to 5pm.

For more information/ contact

Niamh Farren, Communications Officer, AONTAS 01 406 8220/087 911 0569

Note to Editor

1. The STAR Awards is an initiative organised by AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation. The Awards showcase teamwork and award recognition to adult learning organisations. More information about the awards and the Adult Learners' Festival is available from www.adultlearnersfestival.com.

2. Award winners will be announced at the ceremony on February 20th at the Burlington Hotel.

Four Belfast adult education initiatives shortlisted for Ulster STAR Award

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:09:00 +0100

Four Belfast adult education initiatives have been shortlisted for AONTAS STAR Awards in the Ulster Category. The Belfast Met Family Learning Programme, the NICVA run Level 3 Award in Effective Management, the Healthier Lives for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People, and NIAMH (the Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health) have all been singled out. The winner will be announced at the STAR Awards Ceremony on February 20th.

The shortlist was developed by an Independent Judging Panel, who will now hit the road to meet with the ten hopeful groups. 'The judging panel has had to make some tough decisions this year' said AONTAS Director Berni Brady. 'There were 18 projects nominated in this category, out of which seven made the shortlist. It's a real credit to organisations working in Belfast. 'These projects are great examples of the diversity of adult learning' said AONTAS Director Berni Brady.

The judges will meet with shortlisted projects in the Ulster Category at the EGSA (Educational Guidance Services for Adults) Offices, Belfast, on Thursday February 9th from 1pm to 3pm.

2. Award winners will be announced at the ceremony on February 20th at the Burlington Hotel, Dublin.

Love to Learn bus takes adult learners on a cultural learning tour of Dublin

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:45:00 +0100

It's almost Valentine's Day and love is in the air. Today (Monday 13th February), the 'Love to Learn' Dublin Bus took twenty five enthusiastic adult learners on an exclusive sneak preview of some of the events in store for the AONTAS Adult Learners' Festival which runs this year from February 20th to 24th.

Already one hundred and fifty free events around the country are listed on www.adultlearnersfestival.com with more being added daily. There is a range of events to cater to all tastes, interest and skills levels - from informal learning opportunities in unlikely places to exploring life as a mature student on a university campus. B and Q in Liffey Valley will arrange a number of taster, practical workshops for DIY novices- from basic plumbing skills to conquering power tools and learning how to save energy in your home. Perfect your digital camera skills in your local library and practice them on breathtaking views from the rooftop of St Patricks Cathedral. Get to grips with Skype and connect with friends and family across the water. There are free seminars on everything from e-publishing to eco tourism, seed sowing, and insider tips on how to get and keep the job you want from experts in the Communications Clinic.

This year AONTAS is working closely with the National Museum of Ireland who will offer a number of free events during the week of the Festival. The 'Love to Learn' Dublin Bus brought 25 adult learners from the National Museum of Ireland - Natural History Museum, down to the National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts and History, also taking in a visit to the National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology Heritage along the way. The tour finished up at St Patricks Cathedral, where the group enjoyed the views of the city from the tower.

Speaking in advance of the Festival, AONTAS Director Berni Brady said 'The Festival really shows the educational opportunities that are available to people on their own doorstep. Last year 47,000 people attended a Festival event. While adult education can help people pursue new employment opportunities, there are also huge social benefits. Adults who love to learn are happier, healthier people who tend to get more involved with their own communities and take more interest in what is happening around them.'

Speaking from the National Museum of Ireland - Natural History. Nigel Monaghan, Museum Keeper, said, "Adult learners make up a significant proportion of the 300,000 people a year who enjoy the Natural History Museum. As one of Ireland's oldest and most approachable museums amateurs have developed into experts through the learning experience available free in the galleries. Since 2001 a dedicated education team has added to the variety of activities available, all detailed at www.museum.ie"

ENDS
For more information, contact

Niamh Farren, Communications Officer 01 406 8220/ 087 911 0569

Note to Editor

1. The AONTAS Adult Learners' Festival runs from February 20th to February 24th. Events are held nationwide and participating organisations include VECs, libraries, community organisations, and cultural institutions. The theme of this year's Festival is 'Love to Learn'.
2. The 'Love to Learn' Bus route was made possible through support from both Dublin Bus and the National Museum of Ireland. The Festival is kindly supported by the Department of Education and Skills, NQAI, ASTI, the TUI and Teagasc.
3. The first event of the Festival is the STAR Awards ceremony for outstanding adult learning organisations, at the Burlington Hotel Dublin on Monday February 20th. The closing event takes place on Friday 24th February. 'SOLAS - serving adult learners' will focus on the development of the new education and training authority from a learners perspective.

Community education programmes vital to meeting ambitious targets of National Skills Strategy

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:21:00 +0100

'Community education is a cornerstone to meeting the targets of the National Skills Strategy, and should be at the heart of the new training and education authority SOLAS,' according to a conference which took place today, November 17th at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Dublin. Over 200 people attended the conference organised by AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation. Minister for Training and Skills, Ciaran Cannon spoke and briefed those attending on progress in setting up the new training and education authority, SOLAS.

The focus of the conference, entitled 'Making a living, making a life' is the dual role of community education in helping adults to access employment and further education, but also building confidence and active citizenship. Approximately 56,000 people take part in community education programmes run by VECs each year, while AONTAS estimates that over 30,000 take part in community education run by independent community education organisations. Research conducted by AONTAS this year shows that community education is especially effective in providing an opportunity for people with lower educational qualifications to get on the skills ladder and move onto further education and employment.

19.5% of the labour force, i.e. approximately one in every five workers still has less than their Junior Certificate. 'Although this figure has been gradually decreasing over the past five years, we need to look at how it can be dramatically reduced to 7% by 2020 in line with the National Skills Strategy' said Berni Brady, Director of AONTAS. 'People don't always progress easily through the formal education system; many take up community education feeling that they have been failed by the system. For these people community education is a second chance.'

The conference included a colourful exhibition of the work of 15 community education providers. Speakers on the day included Professor John Field of the University of Stirling, and Independent Senator Katherine Zappone. Britten Mannson Wallin, Secretary General of the Swedish National Council of Adult Education, outlined how the Swedish system has supported increasing numbers of adults to take up learning opportunities.

Community education emerged in Ireland during the recession of the 1980s, and was pioneered by communities experiencing disadvantage. Courses can range from personal development, arts and crafts right through to subjects like community development and political science. 'It's not just about hobby courses' said Ms Brady. 'For example earlier this week, sixteen people graduated from a degree in Community Development and Leadership. This part time programme was designed by an Cosán, a community education centre in Tallaght. They supported adults on the programme through financial assistance with fees, made childcare and IT facilities available, and organised study sessions and mentoring activities to motivate and encourage learners. The course had a 95% retention rate, with all adults graduating with honours.'

''SOLAS presents an exciting opportunity to create a single, fit for purpose entity that will organise education and training that meet the needs of the economy but also adult learners themselves' Ms Brady continued.

We look forward to working with the Minister as SOLAS is established, and communicating the contribution that community education can make as we address these ambitious targets' she concluded.

For more information contact:
Niamh Farren, Communications Officer - 087 911 0569

ENDS
Note to editor:
1. Two research reports on the outcomes of community education are available from AONTAS. They are 'More than just a course' which focuses on the outcomes of community education in a VEC setting, and 'Sowing the seeds of social change', focusing on community education delivered by independent community education providers. Both are available online at www.aontas.com.
2. Attendees at the conference include people involved in the delivery of community education, tutors, representatives from community organisations, learners and policy makers.

Adult Learners’ Forum of Ireland to highlight barriers to education and training

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:54:00 +0100

Adults returning to education should be consulted about the type of education and training they need, as well as the support they require to stay with and fully avail of courses on offer, according to a meeting of the Adult Learners' Forum of Ireland (ALFI) today at the Ashling Hotel in Dublin. The meeting, which was attended by over seventy adults engaged in education and training from literacy right through to third level - was addressed by John Lonergan, former Governor of Mountjoy Prison.

Speaking at the event, Mr Lonergan said "While I acknowledge the huge progress made in our educational services over the past forty years or so, numerous stumbling blocks still exist which prevent many people, again young and old, from accessing appropriate educational services and skills training, for example, failure to diagnose and treat learning difficulties, poverty and its many consequences for families and individuals, family support services to enable parents access education and training, lack of convenient facilities and services, and the often overlooked issue of the lack of personal confidence to apply and access courses. With the alarming levels of unemployment currently afflicting our country the demand for adult education and skills training will continue to grow and the Government must ensure that during such stressful and often traumatic times for people they must not be further disappointed and alienated when they seek to return to adult education only to learn that they are once again at the end of long waiting lists - they deserve better."

The need to establish some mechanism by which adults can channel their views on education and training was identified by AONTAS some years ago. The development is timely, given the growing numbers of adults currently engaging with education and training with a view to improving their employment prospects. The recession has prompted a huge interest in education and training, as well as a number of new Government initiatives, including the recent Springboard initiative. A key development for adult learners will be the establishment of SOLAS, which will provide a unifying structure for the further education and training sector. Plans for this new agency are currently being developed by an Implementation Group chaired by the Minister for Training and Skills Ciaran Cannon.

'We understand that a unique feature of the new SOLAS agency will be the focus on learners, i.e. adults accessing or seeking to access training and education', explained AONTAS Director Berni Brady. 'Key questions that SOLAS will consider include what skills and supports adults need to re-enter the labour market. We hope that that the Adult Learners' Forum of Ireland will provide a structure where adult learners can answer these kinds of questions and communicate their experiences to policy makers in a co-ordinated way. In addition the Forum will provide valuable information and support to adults who return to education.'
Over the past two years there has been a surge in the number of adults accessing education and training. Last year, over 25,000 adults availed of the Back to Education Allowance, a payment from the Department of Social Protection which allows adults to keep their social welfare payments while they complete their education at second or third level. Meanwhile approximately 165,000 adults availed of a further education option on a part time or full time basis - including VTOS, PLC courses, VEC courses and Youthreach.

Challenges already identified by adult learners include funding, childcare and transport. 'When you have a family you can't just move to be closer to college' said one adult learner who attended the event. 'Getting to and from a course can be expensive'. AONTAS has also noted that many adults return to education after many years out of a formal education setting. 'We are interested to hear about the experience of adults and the supports (for eg guidance or finance) they need to progress in their learning', said Ms Brady. 'We know that for example at third level the highest dropout rates for adults occur after the first year. In the current climate, it's not enough to fill courses; people will need support, such as financial support and adult guidance to stay the course.'

During the event, Mr Lonergan also launched ''Hearing the adult learner voice' - a toolkit for setting up a local adult learner forum', which was developed by AONTAS to develop the Forum at local level, and provide a strong, national voice for adult learners throughout Ireland.

ENDS
For more information contact
Niamh Farren - Communications Officer - 01 406 8220/087 911 0569
Note to Editor:
1. AONTAS is the National Adult Learning Organisation, a membership organisation with over 500 members nationwide. The mission of AONTAS is to advocate for the right of every adult in Ireland to quality learning.
2. The Adult Learners' Forum of Ireland (ALFI) was established by AONTAS in 2010. The first meeting took place in October 2010. The Forum will deal exclusively with the concerns of adult learners - which include any adult participating in literacy, the Back to Education Initiative, community education, FÁS training programmes, PLC, Youthreach training courses and mature students at third level.