Beyond Funding: Building Capacity, Skills and Expertise for Lasting Change Through the AONTAS Community Education Network
Beyond Funding: Building Capacity, Skills and Expertise for Lasting Change Through Our Community Education Network Written by Lorraine O’Connor Published on October 9, 2026 Share This By AONTAS Community Education Officer Lorraine O’Connor Our recent Community Education Network meeting brought together 38 participants from 30 organisations for an inspiring afternoon of shared learning, reflection, and […]
Reducing Barriers with Learn with NALA Accreditation
Reducing Barriers with Learn with NALA Accreditation Written by Brian Desmond Published on October 9, 2026 Share This Attended by AONTAS Membership and Digital Engagement Officer Brian Desmond. There was a buzz of excitement as attendees entered the grounds of the red-bricked Richmond Education Centre near Smithfield last week. Writer and comedian PJ Gallagher and […]
The People Behind the STAR Awards: Social Change
The People Behind the STAR Awards: Social Change Written by Brian Desmond Published on October 9, 2026 Share This (Part 5 of a 6-part series) “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has”. The AONTAS STAR Awards Social Change category is […]
AONTAS Members Have Their Say on New National Learner Survey
AONTAS Members Have Their Say on New National Learner Survey Written by Rachel Ryan Published on October 9, 2026 Share This This week, more than 60 people attended two webinars hosted by AONTAS on the new National FET Learner Survey. The webinars provided members with an opportunity to learn more about the survey, hear about […]
What does Budget 2027 mean for adult and community education?
What does Budget 2027 mean for adult and community education? Written by Conor Thompson Published on October 8, 2026 Share This Budget 2027 failed to deliver badly needed resources and support for adult learners and education providers across the Further Education and Training sector. Adult and Community Education – Missing in Action Community education funding […]
The People Behind the STAR Awards: Global Citizenship Education
The People Behind the STAR Awards: Global Citizenship Education Written by Brian Desmond Published on October 7, 2026 Share This (Part 4 of a 6-part series) “The one thing we need more than hope is action. Once we start to act, hope is everywhere” – Greta Thunberg The Global Citizenship Education category of the AONTAS […]
The People Behind the STAR Awards: Learner Voice
The People Behind the STAR Awards: Learner Voice Written by Brian Desmond Published on October 5, 2026 Share This (Part 3 of a 6-part series) Every year, the AONTAS team are honoured to amplify ‘the voice of adult learning’ through the STAR Awards. The Learner Voice category is especially important to us as it recognises […]
A New Strategy for Tertiary Education: What This Means for Adult Learners & Community Education
A New Strategy for Tertiary Education: What This Means for Adult Learners & Community Education Written by Conor Thompson Published on October 1, 2026 Share This What is tertiary education? The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has published a new Tertiary Education Strategy. Tertiary education represents all education after secondary […]
The People Behind the STAR Awards: Health & Wellbeing
The People Behind the STAR Awards: Health & Wellbeing Written by Brian Desmond Published on September 29, 2026 Share This (Part 2 of a 6-part series) As people review the categories for STAR Awards, I often get a call to see where their adult learning initiative fits best. I love these conversations. I always learn […]
Celebrating Resilience, Creativity & Community Education with CEN Member Cork Simon
Celebrating Resilience, Creativity & Community Education with CEN Member Cork Simon Written by Lorraine O’Connor Published on September 25, 2026 Share This Our Community Education Officer, Lorraine O’Connor, was delighted to join Community Education Network member Cork Simon Community at the launch of learner Evelyn Mason’s inspiring book, A Rose Over the Sunset, in the […]