Learner Voice at the Centre of European Vocational Skills Week
The first European Vocational Skills Week took place from 5th to 9th December 2016. As the National Coordinator for the European Agenda for Adult Learning (EAAL), AONTAS welcomed the introduction of this initiative. It provided an opportunity to profile the diversity of education and training opportunities available to learners across the EU with hundreds of events taking place. It also provided AONTAS with an opportunity to highlight the importance of the learner voice at both a national and European level.
AONTAS Profiles the Role of Citizenship and Human Rights Education in Strasbourg
AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation will travel to Strasbourg, France today, 20th June 2016 to take part in an international conference on Citizenship and Human Rights Education in Europe. The conference will profile the role of education in tackling some of the major challenges facing Europe including integration and violent radicalisation. The conference, hosted by the […]
Senator Lynn Ruane Encourages Early School Leavers to Return to Education
Independent Senator Lynn Ruane has encouraged early school leavers to return to education to reach their full potential. Senator Ruane was speaking today (8.11.2016) in Dublin at an event aimed at increasing participation in adult learning by using storytelling. Senator Ruane understands first-hand the transformative power of education as a learner, mother, social activist and […]
New Book Celebrates the Diverse Paths Taken by Adult Learners
A new book celebrating the diverse paths taken by adult learners in Ireland has been released today (9.12.2016) by AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation. The book, entitled ‘I’m an Adult Learner 2016’, features the personal stories and portraits of 25 adult learners. From Sharon who did a personal development course through a community education centre […]
AONTAS Congratulates Dozens of Adult Learners Receiving Leaving Cert Results
Dozens of adult learners are amongst those celebrating their Leaving Cert results today (17.08.16), according to AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation. Congratulating adult learners receiving their Leaving Cert results, Niamh O’Reilly, CEO of AONTAS, said: “It’s easy to forget that many adult learners are amongst those sitting the Leaving Cert each year and waiting nervously […]
AONTAS Highlights the Benefits of EU Membership for Adult Learners in Ireland
“EU funding programmes support adult learners in Ireland to acquire new work skills, contributing to active citizenship, and personal development.” That’s according to Niamh O’Reilly, AONTAS CEO who was speaking at ‘The European Union: Solidarity in a Time of Uncertainty’ conference in Dublin today (10.03.17). The conference was organised by AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation. […]
Donegal Bean an Tí Travel to Malta to Learn about Tourism
Donegal Mná an Tí Marian Mhic Pháidín and Treasa Mhic Fhionnghaile will travel to Malta today (24.4.17) to take part in a workplace study visit organised by AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation. The trip is taking place as part of an EU-funded project that aims to increase the number of people taking part in […]
Validation of Prior Learning in Ireland: A Learner’s Experience
The learner voice sits firmly at the heart of AONTAS’ work. As the National Adult Learning Organisation in Ireland, we believe that in order to widen participation in lifelong learning, we must listen to the voices and experiences of learners. AONTAS spoke to adult learner advocate Una Buckley about Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Una details her personal experience of RPL and gives some suggestions on how to make the process more accessible for learners.
Almost 100 learners take part in the National FET Learner Forum 2017
The National Further Education and Training (FET) Learner Forum took place on Friday 7th April in Croke Park, Dublin. This event marked the second meeting of the forum when 100 learners from across Ireland met to discuss their achievements and challenges in FET.
Learning from Best Practice in Crete
In spring 2017 James Clifford from Kerry Action for Development Education (KADE) travelled to Rethymno, Crete to take part in a five day job shadowing mobility with the European Centre in Training for Employment (ECTE). The aim of a mobility was to increase awareness of cross cultural issues between Ireland and Crete, meet with potential partners and discuss how KADE could become a host in EU mobility programmes to strengthen the capacity of their organisation.