What Did Budget 2026 Deliver for Adult and Community Education?
What Did Budget 2026 Deliver for Adult and Community Education? Written by Aontas Published on October 17, 2025 Share This Budget 2026 will have an impact on adult and community education, and the learners it supports. The Budget announcement on 7th October included several positive changes for adult learners. However, overall, this Budget could have […]
Exploring Community Impact at Ballycommon Technology & Training Centre
Exploring Community Impact at Ballycommon Technology & Training Centre Written by AONTAS Published on October 3, 2025 Share This A Visit to Ballycommon Technology and Training Centre Recently, our Lorraine O’Connor our Community Education Officer, visited Ballycommon Technology and Training Centre (BTTC) and met with Centre Manager Deirdre Arnold to explore the centre’s impactful work […]
HACE Celebrates Adult Learning Achievements at the Educational Certificate Awards
Our Community Education Officer, Lorraine O’Connor, recently attended the Educational Certificate Awards, hosted by Henrietta Adult and Community Education Service (HACE). The event celebrated the outstanding achievements of learners involved in courses run through HACE.
Celebrating Inclusive Learning at the Irish Wheelchair Association
Our Community Education Officer recently visited the Irish Wheelchair Association in Clane, Co. Kildare to learn more about the range of educational and recreational services they offer.
Disability, Education and Access to Socially Valued Roles
Everyone should have the chance to fully participate in education and in their communities. But for people with disabilities, that often means facing extra barriers, like buildings that aren’t accessible, transport that doesn’t work for them, or support that’s hard to get. In this blog, we share what learners told us, and why making learning more inclusive matters.
When learners speak, lead and create: A discussion on learner agency, strategies and policy through the learners’ voice
In adult learning, the term “learner voice” is often celebrated—but rarely interrogated. Too often, it’s confused with surveys, feedback forms, or participation in pre-designed activities. What’s missing is the deeper question: Who holds the power to shape what adult learning is—and whose experiences are allowed to influence its design, delivery, and direction?
How Inishowen Development Partnership is Empowering Communities in Donegal
The workshop created a welcoming space for new migrant communities to foster a sense of belonging, integrate into local life, and actively contribute to a greener, more inclusive Buncrana. Twelve participants attended the session, representing Nigeria, Pakistan, Botswana, the Philippines, and Ukraine. The discussion focused on ensuring that migrant communities have a voice in shaping […]
A Cornerstone of the North Dublin Community: Coolock Development Council
Our Community Education Officer Lorraine O’Connor visits members of the Community Education Network across the country, demonstrating the real impact of their work and the transformative benefits they bring to their communities.
Connecting Communities: Highlights from the 55th AONTAS AGM- Testing Blog Post
On 22 May, we gathered for the 55th AONTAS Annual General Meeting, a powerful day of reflection and connection. Guided by our theme of Connecting Communities, the day was an opportunity to reconnect with friends and colleagues and celebrate the strength of adult and community education across the island. Writing by Megan Fearon, Head of Impact and […]
Connecting Communities: Highlights from the 55th AONTAS AGM
On 22 May, we gathered for the 55th AONTAS Annual General Meeting, a powerful day of reflection and connection. Guided by our theme of Connecting Communities, the day was an opportunity to reconnect with friends and colleagues and celebrate the strength of adult and community education across the island.