Presenting Learner Voice Research at the Scuola Democratica Conference in Sardinia

The “Third International Conference of the journal Scuola Democratica”, took place at the University of Cagliari, Sardinia (Italy), 3-6 June 2024. The Scuola Democratica conference is devoted to the needs and prospects of education and/for social justice.
Budget 2025: AONTAS calls for greater investment in adult learners as approximately 1 in 3 cite lack of financial supports as key barrier to education

With the next Budget soon on the horizon, we are calling on the Government to recognise that people are still being left behind in the Irish education system.
Cavan and Monaghan ETB lead the way in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) in 2024

On 4th June, Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board launched new awards for ‘English for Speakers of Other Languages’ (ESOL). This is a pioneering initiative for inclusive education and language support for migrant learners across Ireland, introducing a much-needed new approach to ESOL learning.
‘Building Stable Roots in a Sustainable Learning Ecosystem’: An insight into the Project Advisory Group for NEAAL 2024-25

In May, we held the first meeting of the Project Advisory Group for our latest large-scale European programme. This group bringing together leading education experts and representatives from the Government, education institutions, social partners, and civil society organisations.
Exploring Voter Education programmes among Urban and Rural Women Groups in Ireland

Women’s Collective Ireland Ronanstown and Women’s Collective Ireland Mullingar/Women’s Community Projects, Mullingar recently created a Voter Education programme, in partnership with Dublin Adult Learning Centre (DALC), as part of the New European Agenda for Adult Learning.
GATHER: Discovering Assistive Technology Together in 2024

In May, AHEAD – a non-profit working to create inclusive environments in education and employment for people with disabilities – organised a 3-day event about assistive technology, in partnership with the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) and AONTAS.
Reflecting on the European Year of Skills: What comes next

With the conclusion of the European Year of Skills this April, it’s a good time to review its goals of addressing skills shortages relevant to jobs in Europe and fostering economic growth. Our Adult Education Initiatives Officer Larisa reflects on the European Year of Skills, and the need for greater empathy and human-centred approaches to adult education across Europe.
Are you registered to vote? Use Your Voice!

People in Ireland will be asked to vote in the local and EU elections this June, so this is the time to engage with election candidates and let them know what is important to you and your community.
“Brunch and Learn” with AONTAS and SOLAS

We at AONTAS have long promoted the power and impact of adult and community education, and we were delighted to be invited by SOLAS this week for a “Brunch and Learn”, to speak about the impact of our work and how adult and community education changes lives for the better.
Education for political participation: European Project “BEEP” comes to a close

As the BEEP project came to an end last month, we’re taking a look back at our work with our European partners on political participation in adult education.