The shortlist is divided into five categories of adult learning initiatives that support people with:
The STAR Awards is judged by an independent panel of educators, policymakers, adult learners, and other adult learning experts.
This category, which is sponsored by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), is open to adult learning initiatives is open to adult learning initiatives that have a real impact when they place the voice and experiences of the learner at the heart of their work, and how that can help other learners, communities, and influence education policy.
Cork Education and Training Board Learners’ Voices is an initiative led by adult learners, for adult learners. The group provides a safe space for Cork ETB learners to have their voices heard. Over the last two years, the initiative has been supporting learners to have a say in both policy and governance. The group meets about once a month and, through their work, learners across the Cork ETB FET sector now feel listened to. There is clarity now for learners on where to go for assistance if there is an issue. Learners involved gain new skills in communication, problem solving, strategizing, meeting etiquette, digital literacy, team building, event management, and community link foundation. Through working with the group and participating in training, learners have found increased self-esteem, confidence and personal growth. And most importantly, the learners have collaboratively built a supportive community where friendships have blossomed. There are benefits for the greater community of each college and centre through increased support and communication. This has a knock-on effect on the wider ETB community, families, and future potential learners. To date, the group has developed a Learner Charter, virtual and physical suggestion boxes for learners to share their feedback, a monthly newsletter, a Learner Wellbeing Day and have supported learners’ representation at local, regional and national events across Ireland.
This initiative provides an opportunity for all learners of Tipperary ETB to have their voices heard, and for learners to be represented at local and national levels. This Student Council has been up-and-running since January 2023, based on the feedback from all learners gathered through focus groups and surveys. The groups meets every month online, and in person in a different FET centre across Tipperary county. At any one time, there up to 40 members on the council from diverse backgrounds and abilities, and they represent over 10,000 students. The council is led by the students and the themes they discuss and address are based on students’ needs and interests. This includes affordable and accessible public transport for students, student wellbeing and mental health, the needs and rights of LGBTQ+ students, and support for students with disabilities or different abilities. The council promotes a sense of community and empowerment for students. By encouraging active participation and involvement, it creates opportunities for students to develop leadership skills and take ownership of their educational experience. This empowerment is fundamental in cultivating a sense of responsibility and pride among students, fostering a positive learning environment.
This course, which was hosted by South East Technological University (SETU), supported the options and education pathways for people with intellectual disabilities. It was targeted towards people who are interested in advocating for equality and human rights for people with disabilities or different abilities. It focussed on learners who have not had the opportunities to participate in Further or Higher Education in the past. The course empowers people with disabilities and different abilities to co-construct their learning and gain qualifications. The course took a Universal Design approach, meaning they prioritised a flexible learning environment and learning spaces that can accommodated different learning styles and needs. This course supported all learners in how they wanted to express and communicate their needs and rights in Irish society. Modules explored decision-making and self-advocacy along with skills to use technology, so learners can advocate for themselves and others if they are experiencing inequality. 10 learners undertook the course, becoming empowered and supported to progress to a university environment, and to achieve a qualification that is meaningful to them and their lives.
The Pathfinders initiative enables people with autism to progress to mainstream learning that matches their interests and abilities. The initiative helps grow learners’ communication skills, concentration, imagination, organisational skills and daily routine in an adult learning centre. This involves helping people to deal with sensory triggers, behaviours, and anxieties, while also supporting their integration and interactions with other students and teachers in the learning centre. The group takes regular outings to the local library, the park, the gym equipment beside the FET centre, and the supermarket. Changes for learners as a result of the course include being able to use a phone and talk to family, doing things in Gorey town independently like going to the shop or getting the bus, joining the library and choosing their own books and using the resources, and also in some cases gaining a QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) Level 2 Reading award. The learners have progressed both academically and personally, and can have more and more conversations, overcome neurodiverse behaviours, and self-regulate. The initiative has created opportunities for learners’ future advancement, promoting their self-advocacy and autonomy.
Because the STAR Awards ceremony is focussed on the nominees, particularly the learners, it is an invite-only event. But we'll be sharing the ceremony as it happens on our social media, and spotlighting the winners.
The Adult Learners’ Festival, happening this year from 4th to 8th March 2024, is a nationwide celebration of adult learning. This year’s theme is “Everyday Learning Spaces – Find Yourself Here,” celebrating safe and supportive learning environments, wherever they may be.
Visit this page for more details about the Festival
Find us on aontas.com or on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIN for the latest updates #ALF24 #FindYourselfHere
For more information, contact alf@aontas.com
