“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
Further alternative pathways to higher education in 2025 through Tertiary Degree Programme
Further alternative pathways to higher education in 2025 through Tertiary Degree Programme
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 […]
Highlights from the fantastic 149 events from this year’s Adult Learners’ Festival
Highlights from the fantastic 149 events from this year’s Adult Learners’ Festival