Adult Learners' Festival

AONTAS STAR Award Winners 2025

Adult Learning Initiatives that support Learner Voice
Sponsored by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI)

Winner

Voter Education Programme from REHAB

The nationwide Voter Education Programme from REHAB engages and empowers people in the National Learning Network and in RehabCare services across Ireland to understand and use their vote.

Winner  Voter Education Programme from REHAB

Adult Learning Initiatives that support Health and Wellbeing
Sponsored by Mental Health Ireland

Winner

RADE, Recovery Through Art & Education, Dublin 8

Dublin 8-based RADE provides programmes that connect drug-users and those in recovery with artistic workshops and relapse prevention workshops, and provides therapeutic supports to people struggling with substance dependency.

Winner  RADE, Recovery Through Art & Education, Dublin 8

Winner

The Blocks from Rialto Community Drug Team and City of Dublin Education and Training Board

The Blocks is an arts initiative for people whose lives have been impacted by addiction in the Rialto and Dolphin’s Barn areas of Dublin city.

Winner  The Blocks from Rialto Community Drug Team and City of Dublin Education and Training Board

Adult Learning Initiatives that support Third-level Access and Engagement

Winner

The Certificate in Transition to Higher Education at Technological University of the Shannon

This foundation preparation course provides a pathway for people from under-represented groups to access higher education.

Winner  The Certificate in Transition to Higher Education at Technological University of the Shannon

Adult Learning Initiatives that support Social Inclusion
Sponsored by Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCN NI)

Winner

The ‘Great to Train’ (GTT) initiative, funded by Cork Education and Training Board and led by Cork Simon Community

The ‘Great to Train’ initiative supports people accessing homeless services in Cork by building their personal and work-related skills through training, therapy and learning.

Winner  The ‘Great to Train’ (GTT) initiative, funded by Cork Education and Training Board and led by Cork Simon Community

Winner

Welcome English Language Centre

Based in Cork city, the Welcome English Language Centre provides social integration supports and English language classes to people newly arrived to Ireland.

Winner  Welcome English Language Centre

Adult Learning Initiatives that support Global Citizenship Education
Sponsored by SAOLTA

Winner

Active Citizenship Voter Education Programme at the Dublin Adult Learning Centre

This course informs people living in Dublin’s North Inner City about voting and democracy through informative and interactive sessions.

Winner  Active Citizenship Voter Education Programme at the Dublin Adult Learning Centre

The Open University's "Shooting Star" award
Sponsored by The Open University in Ireland

Winner

Transformative Journeys for Traveller Women, by Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board

This programme empowers parents or carers who have experienced cumulative trauma and have been denied access to education and societal opportunities.

Winner  Transformative Journeys for Traveller Women, by Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board

Special Recognition for a European Social Fund (ESF) Initiative
Sponsored by the European Social Fund

Winner

Beyond the Barriers, Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board

This project was awarded for capturing and sharing the voices of adult learners in the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board literacy service, highlighting their personal journeys and achievements, especially those who have faced unique challenges in returning to education

Winner  Beyond the Barriers, Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board