About the CEN Census
For the first time AONTAS has implemented a broad-scale mixed methods research project, drawing on qualitative and quantitative data. We called it the CEN census, to uncover who engages in community education, what courses are provided, how it is funded, and critically how it effectively supports people to fulfil their potential. This research has taken on even greater importance as it captured the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on 76 community education organisations. To offer a more expansive understanding, 192 community education learner perspectives offer a rounded description of learning during COVID-19.
About the Event
This event will discuss key findings and recommendations from the first Community Education Network (CEN) Census report with stakeholders. It will take an evidence-informed advocacy focus and will seek to inform policymakers on issues facing community education providers, particularly during COVID-19.
AONTAS piloted the Census in 2020 to provide evidence necessary to promote a thriving community education sector as defined in the AONTAS Strategic Plan 2019-2022. The Census was used to map community education’s impact, understand learner profile and supports, identify funding streams, and assess the impact of COVID-19.
Key finding that will be explored in this webinar include:
The value and impact of supporting community education
Post pandemic, it is essential that we work towards addressing the fallout from COVID-19 on educational disadvantaged. Community education can support an inclusive recovery for the following reasons:
- Marginalised learners are the dominant cohort engaging in community education
- To empower participation. Community education empowers learners to engage in their community, to increase agency, capacity and self-confidence
- Social change. Democracies require debate, critical engagement and to hear all voices. Community education is not just a pathway to further education or employment, but also as a means to debate and challenge inequalities, which is a key aspect of a healthy democracy
- To enable adult Literacy and numeracy participation. Digital literacy was a focus of a third of accredited programmes and access to devices, internet was greatly enabled by the MAEDF
- Sustainable employment. Community education is a route out of poverty
- To support higher education access
- To address the drop in lifelong learning participation rates
Confirmed speakers include:
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Andrew Brownlee, Chief Executive Officer, SOLAS
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Ruth Griffin, Adult Education Officer, Cork Education and Training Board
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Cathleen McDonagh Clark, Manager, Exchange House Ireland National Travellers Service
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Liam McCarthy, Senior Training and Development Officer, Social Health Education Project
