As the National Coordinator for the European Agenda for Adult Learning (EAAL) AONTAS attended the third European Vocational Skills Week in Vienna from the 5th - 9th November to represent all adult learners in Ireland. Here AONTAS CEO Niamh O'Reilly reflects on taking part in this important conference where she was had the amazing opportunity to share five fantastic FET learner stories with the world.
With a new Minister for Education, Ulsterman Mr Joe McHugh, and growing unease about the unknown consequences of Brexit on the horizon, the time is right to acknowledge the broad scope of education as a pathway for progress that everyone can and should participate in; it’s the moment to make adult and community education in particular the fertile ground from which North, South, East and West can grow together in a direction that ensures everyone is supported through the difficult challenges that lie ahead. In our latest blog Niamh O’Reilly CEO discusses a seminal moment when adult and community education leaders from the Five Nations (5Ns) of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland met at The Borders, Boundaries & Bridges: Learning with our Neighbours Conference on Friday 14th October in Belfast.
AONTAS has published a report on the European Agenda for Adult Learning project ‘Learning Today for a Better Tomorrow’ (2015 – 2017). In out latest blog EU Projects Officer Dearbháil Lawless highlights some of the key achievements during the project.
As an EU Member State, Ireland has access to EU funding programmes like Erasmus+ which support people to acquire new work skills, contributing to active citizenship, and personal development. Such programmes allow AONTAS to support our members to promote and profile the work of adult learning in Ireland. It also provides members with an opportunity to learn from our EU neighbours and bring new ideas back to Ireland.
The Blayney Blades Moving On programme were winners of the prestigious AONTAS STAR Award in 2018, the prize included an opportunity to take part in an ERASMUS+ KA1 programme. The initiative, based in Castleblayney Co Monaghan, helps learners to develop knowledge and skills through adult education with a focus on sports and recreation.
As an EU Member State, Ireland has access to EU funding programmes like Erasmus+ which supports people to acquire new work skills, contributing to active citizenship, and personal development. Such programmes allow AONTAS to support our members to promote and profile the work of adult learning in Ireland. It also provides members with an opportunity to learn from our EU neighbours and bring new ideas back to Ireland.
