When people share their stories about returning to learning, people empathise, they listen, and sometimes they get inspired.
At AONTAS, we show people that their experiences of learning are important – whether it is a Level 5 course in healthcare, or learning to drive, or learning about gardening. Sharing the stories about how and why they decided to do a course or a class, or take up something new, and the impact it has had on their lives, can be very inspirational and encouraging to others. It can help someone overcome their fears.The first step back to learning is the hardest. No one is a better advocate for this than learners themselves. When learners speak about the benefits and value of learning, people listen and change happens.
This programme has been running for several years and we have worked with around 30 learners every year.It is funded through the (New) European Agenda for Adult Learning, for which AONTAS is the national co-ordinator in Ireland.
This means that such programmes are happening all across Europe. Through the programme, learners develop skills in areas like critical thinking, communication, and creative problem-solving, and they learn how to advocate for themselves and others with similar experiences.
As with all of our Learner Voice work, we committed to raising the experiences of learners with policymakers, education providers and Government representatives we meet, with the goal of making education more equal and accessible for all.
Learners develop their advocacy, leadership, and communication skills through workshops with the AONTAS team and experts in the sector.
They are empowered to become advocates for change in their own localities, and to fight for change on issues that matter to them.
This includes lack of access to affordable childcare and lack of transport to get to and from their courses.
Participation in this programme is open to all adults looking to learn something new and make change happen.
The LAL programme has been a huge success over the last few years.
The programme has involved hundreds of learners, several awareness-raising campaigns, and numerous events. It has also led to learner inclusion in policy submissions advocating for change in our education system.
Here's a look back at the Learners As Leaders programme for 2024.
Find out more about previous Learners as Leaders programmes here.
This project is funded through the New European Agenda for Adult Learning (NEAAL)
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
