The EU “Union of Skills” strategy: focus on skills and competitiveness, but action required to recognise inequalities and barriers for adult learners
In March 2025, the European Commission adopted the “Union of Skills”, a five-year strategy with the goal of enabling education and training systems in Europe that will allow everyone to “access education, lifelong learning, quality jobs and navigate transitions and crises”.
What is Public Sector Duty and why does it matter?
We at AONTAS believe in eliminating discrimination and promoting equality when it comes to education and public service in Ireland, both for staff and for adult learners. With this in mind, an important focus for us is Public Sector Duty. But what does Public Sector Duty mean, and why does it matter?
AONTAS on the Road: Storytelling for Connecting Communities
For the past few years, we’ve been travelling across the country to shed light on local educational initiatives that are at the heart of the wellbeing and development of their communities. We do this so that the grassroots adult education providers are listened to and supported in their efforts to uplift and strengthen their communities.
AONTAS AGM 2025: Positions Open on the AONTAS Board of Directors
There are four positions available on the AONTAS Board of Directors this year. They are: 3 positions for Organisation Member Type (General) 1 position for Organisation Member Type (Community Education) You can find out details of each of these positions and the role details here. We at AONTAS are committed to maintaining robust governance procedures in compliance with statutory requirements. We see […]
A Review of “From Politics to People: A Culture of Care in Community Education”
A look back at “From Politics to People”, our Adult Learners’ Festival 2025 Policy Discussion on Monday 3 March. This event brought together AONTAS members, adult learners, and policy makers to demonstrate to the new Government that community education is the policy solution they need in response today’s societal challenges.
Supporting Third Level Access and Engagement at the AONTAS STAR Awards 2025
The STAR Awards recognise the very best in adult learning in Ireland. We celebrate and acknowledge the incredible adult learning initiatives going on across the country, in support of learners, as part of the AONTAS Adult Learners’ Festival. This year, there are 24 fantastic shortlisted initiatives. We’ll announce the winners at a special ceremony in Dublin on Friday 7th March – an exciting event to finish our 2025 Adult Learners’ Festival!
Supporting Learner Voice at the AONTAS STAR Awards 2025
The STAR Awards recognise the very best in adult learning in Ireland. We celebrate and acknowledge the incredible adult learning initiatives going on across the country, in support of learners, as part of the AONTAS Adult Learners’ Festival. This year, there are 24 fantastic shortlisted initiatives. We’ll announce the winners at a special ceremony in Dublin on Friday 7th March – an exciting event to finish our 2025 Adult Learners’ Festival!
Supporting Global Citizenship Education at the AONTAS STAR Awards 2025
The STAR Awards recognise the very best in adult learning in Ireland. We celebrate and acknowledge the incredible adult learning initiatives going on across the country, in support of learners, as part of the AONTAS Adult Learners’ Festival. This year, there are 24 fantastic shortlisted initiatives. We’ll announce the winners at a special ceremony in Dublin on Friday 7th March – an exciting event to finish our 2025 Adult Learners’ Festival!
A shining example of the impact of community education: The Matt Talbot Community Trust
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 great benefits they bring to local communities.
Supporting Health and Wellbeing at the AONTAS STAR Awards 2025
The STAR Awards recognise the very best in adult learning in Ireland. We celebrate and acknowledge the incredible adult learning initiatives going on across the country, in support of learners, as part of the AONTAS Adult Learners’ Festival. This year, there are 24 fantastic shortlisted initiatives. We’ll announce the winners at a special ceremony in Dublin on Friday 7th March – an exciting event to finish our 2025 Adult Learners’ Festival!