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.
99% of adult learners find taking part in the National FET Learner Forum a positive experience
As we reach the end of another academic term, we’re critically reflecting on learners’ experiences of the National Further Education and Training (FET) Learner Forum. Our findings show that the vast majority of learners saw the Forum as a positive experience for them.
Joining Forces to Amplify Learner Voice in Linz, Austria
European partners meet in Linz to drive forward the ENHANCE project and embed Learner Voice at every level of adult education.
From Classrooms to National Agendas: A European Model for Embedding Learner Voice at Every Level
Giving learners a say in their education is key to improving outcomes and strengthening communities. A new model developed through an Erasmus+ project offers stakeholders a clear roadmap for embedding Learner Voice at every level.
“Joy, too, is a form of resistance” says human rights activist and educator Caoimhe Butterly
Irish human rights campaign and activist Caoimhe Butterly spoke to us recently about joy, education, and culture as a form of resistance in the face of current world events, particularly the genocide in Palestine and the rise of fascism. Caoimhe has spent over twenty years working in humanitarian and social justice contexts around the world. She is a trained psychotherapist and works to help with trauma for migrants and refugees fleeing violence and persecution, and with Schools of Sanctuary Ireland, in primary and secondary schools.
New Report Launch: Time to Rethink How We Measure the Impact of Adult Education in Northern Ireland
Details of the launch of a new research report into measuring the impact of adult education in Northern Ireland, launched at Stormont in Belfast in April 2025.
What is Learner Voice training for staff in FET and adult education?
Learner Voice continues to be at the heart of AONTAS’ work as we pursue our vision of educational equality for all adult learners.
Over the past year, our Learner Voice Project Officer Karyn Farrell and I have developed and delivered Learner Voice training across the country.
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 facilitate adult learners to share policy recommendations directly to DFHERIS and Ministers Lawless and Harkin
A Cost of Education event took place in April 2025, with adult learners and students invited to give their feedback and policy recommendations to the Minister and Department