AONTAS is the National Coordinator for the European Agenda for Adult Learning (EAAL) in Ireland. A position assigned by the Department of Education and Skills which sees the organisation take an active role in the discussion and implementation of educational policy in Ireland, particularly the Upskilling Pathways recommendation. As part of this work AONTAS engages with learners, shares their experiences and highlights the many pathways to adult learning. We believe in the right to quality education and the promotion and normalisation of education for all members of Irish society, supporting adults to build their confidence to undertake courses and engage in lifelong learning.
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In the report a number of learners share their personal education journeys, encouraging others back to education, and state how education has transformed their lives.
We look at how the EAAL influences Irish policy and impacts on the community and the adult education sector. The report highlights how the ‘Learning Today for a Better Tomorrow’ project deepened partnerships with key stakeholders such as the Department of Education and Skills, SOLAS and Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), and the critical value of these relationships for adult learners and our members.
Niamh O’Reilly, AONTAS CEO talks about the importance of this work: ‘Ireland’s commitment to the European Agenda for Adult Learning (EAAL) plays a crucial role in achieving the national ambition to improve learning provision and to reach the 15% participation rate. Since its 2012 rollout the EAAL has played an important role in Europe, galvanising governments, civil society and education practitioners to advance educational opportunities and learn from each other’s initiatives, setbacks and successes.’
Learning Today for a Better Tomorrow included a number of successful seminars including collaborations with National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA), ETBI, Skills for Work, and EPALE. Pan-European collaborations with other National Coordinators, education institutions and Government agencies, a capacity building programme for front-line educators, and a hugely successful communications campaign with national and local media coverage.
You can check out the EAAL Publication here: https://www.aontas.com/assets/resources/European/EAAL(2015-20917)-FINAL.pdf For more information on the current EAAL project ‘Increasing Pathways, Increasing Participation’ contact AONTAS EU Project Officer Dearbháil Lawless at: dlawless@aontas.com