Celebrating Community, Hope, and Achievement with Acorn Youth Work Ireland Midlands, Education and Training Service
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Published on
February 12, 2026
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AONTAS was honoured to be part of a truly inspiring celebration hosted by Acorn, Youth Work Ireland Midlands, Education and Training Service, as they marked the achievements of their learners and staff with a heart‑warming Certification Awards Ceremony.
Our Community Education Officer, Lorraine O’Connor, proudly represented AONTAS on the day. She engaged with learners, families, and staff, witnessing firsthand the positive impact Acorn has on the lives of young people across the Midlands.
Acorn Midlands Education & Training Service (AMETS)
AMETS offers a range of programmes, including:
• Youth Work Modules (QQI Level 5)
• Beauty Therapy
• Hospitality
• Sound Production
• Make‑Up Artistry, Nail Technology, and Eyelash Extensions
• General Learning — Levels 2, 3, 4, and 5.
A Celebration of Learners, Community, and Hope
The ceremony was attended by parents, friends, local community members, and representatives from community services, including the Community Gardaí. The atmosphere was filled with pride, encouragement, and a shared belief in the potential of every young person present.
Each year, Acorn supports over 150 learners. Many are early school leavers who struggled within the mainstream education system. For them, and their families, Acorn is:
• A lifeline
• A place of belonging
• A hub of support
• A source of hope.
Learners’ Voices
Lorraine asked learners what the project meant to them. They shared openly:
‘School was not for me, too many rules. Here, they understand me. If I’m frustrated, they support me. The teachers really help, and if I need support with my work, the tutors are there for me; they give me the time. I’ve come a long way here. I have made a lot of friends, and we support each other. I want to be a carpenter. I just need to get through my modules, and I will. I would probably be sitting at home if it wasn’t for here, you just want to come in every day.’
‘I left school early… I’ve completed five modules in my Level 4. I want to be an Architect. I also play music, and I’m in a band, and I love it. Acorn has been great for me; the support and the tutors are great, and they help you to believe you can do it. I really like coming in, I really like it here, and I’m on the way to my Major Award. ‘
Brian proudly showed videos of his music and demonstrated his remarkable Rubik’s Cube skills, completing in less than a minute.
There was no doubt that these young, articulate, multitalented individuals, with the support of the team in Acorn, will go far; we wish them every success.
Celebrating Staff Achievement
Staff on the Community Employment Programme also received QQI Level 6 Major Awards on the day, in both Youth Work and Business. Sarah, now the Community Employment Supervisor, was once a participant herself, a powerful example of community education coming full circle.
Acorn has introduced a Digital Badge Programme to recognise the small but meaningful milestones learners achieve, from attendance and engagement to the completion of individual modules. Curt, a participant on the Community Employment Scheme, delivered this programme, another strong example of how community education uncovers talent, builds confidence, and provides learners with a platform for future learning and career opportunities. Curt also demonstrated exceptional video production skills, creating an impromptu member spotlight with Lorraine and Maura on the day.
Here, we clearly see the learner becoming the educator, and we celebrate each one of you. This is a hallmark of community education: when we believe in the learner, their potential unfolds. As the proverb says, “The goal of the teacher is for the learner to surpass the tutor.”
The Heart of Acorn: Dedicated Staff
The staff at Acorn work with passion and deep empathy. They help learners stay connected to education, avoid isolation, and build confidence. The network provides safe spaces, nurtures confidence, and supports brighter futures.
Looking Ahead
This ceremony celebrated perseverance, community, and the transformative power of education. AONTAS is proud to collaborate with Acorn and looks forward to future opportunities to support learners across the Midlands.
Take a look at the Member spotlight video on the AONTAS Member Hub, and let’s start a discussion on the Transformative Power of Community Education. AONTAS Member HUB
For more information, contact Lorraine O’Connor, Community Education Officer at AONTAS: loconnor@aontas.com
ACORN, Youth Work midlands Ireland https://www.youthworkmidlands.org/amyets
Maura Kearney AMETS Co-Ordinator: mkearney@youthworkmidlands.org
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Celebrating Community, Hope, and Achievement with Acorn Youth Work Ireland Midlands, Education and Training Service
Written by
Published on
February 12, 2026
Share This
AONTAS was honoured to be part of a truly inspiring celebration hosted by Acorn, Youth Work Ireland Midlands, Education and Training Service, as they marked the achievements of their learners and staff with a heart‑warming Certification Awards Ceremony.
Our Community Education Officer, Lorraine O’Connor, proudly represented AONTAS on the day. She engaged with learners, families, and staff, witnessing firsthand the positive impact Acorn has on the lives of young people across the Midlands.
Acorn Midlands Education & Training Service (AMETS)
AMETS offers a range of programmes, including:
• Youth Work Modules (QQI Level 5)
• Beauty Therapy
• Hospitality
• Sound Production
• Make‑Up Artistry, Nail Technology, and Eyelash Extensions
• General Learning — Levels 2, 3, 4, and 5.
A Celebration of Learners, Community, and Hope
The ceremony was attended by parents, friends, local community members, and representatives from community services, including the Community Gardaí. The atmosphere was filled with pride, encouragement, and a shared belief in the potential of every young person present.
Each year, Acorn supports over 150 learners. Many are early school leavers who struggled within the mainstream education system. For them, and their families, Acorn is:
• A lifeline
• A place of belonging
• A hub of support
• A source of hope.
Learners’ Voices
Lorraine asked learners what the project meant to them. They shared openly:
‘School was not for me, too many rules. Here, they understand me. If I’m frustrated, they support me. The teachers really help, and if I need support with my work, the tutors are there for me; they give me the time. I’ve come a long way here. I have made a lot of friends, and we support each other. I want to be a carpenter. I just need to get through my modules, and I will. I would probably be sitting at home if it wasn’t for here, you just want to come in every day.’
‘I left school early… I’ve completed five modules in my Level 4. I want to be an Architect. I also play music, and I’m in a band, and I love it. Acorn has been great for me; the support and the tutors are great, and they help you to believe you can do it. I really like coming in, I really like it here, and I’m on the way to my Major Award. ‘
Brian proudly showed videos of his music and demonstrated his remarkable Rubik’s Cube skills, completing in less than a minute.
There was no doubt that these young, articulate, multitalented individuals, with the support of the team in Acorn, will go far; we wish them every success.
Celebrating Staff Achievement
Staff on the Community Employment Programme also received QQI Level 6 Major Awards on the day, in both Youth Work and Business. Sarah, now the Community Employment Supervisor, was once a participant herself, a powerful example of community education coming full circle.
Acorn has introduced a Digital Badge Programme to recognise the small but meaningful milestones learners achieve, from attendance and engagement to the completion of individual modules. Curt, a participant on the Community Employment Scheme, delivered this programme, another strong example of how community education uncovers talent, builds confidence, and provides learners with a platform for future learning and career opportunities. Curt also demonstrated exceptional video production skills, creating an impromptu member spotlight with Lorraine and Maura on the day.
Here, we clearly see the learner becoming the educator, and we celebrate each one of you. This is a hallmark of community education: when we believe in the learner, their potential unfolds. As the proverb says, “The goal of the teacher is for the learner to surpass the tutor.”
The Heart of Acorn: Dedicated Staff
The staff at Acorn work with passion and deep empathy. They help learners stay connected to education, avoid isolation, and build confidence. The network provides safe spaces, nurtures confidence, and supports brighter futures.
Looking Ahead
This ceremony celebrated perseverance, community, and the transformative power of education. AONTAS is proud to collaborate with Acorn and looks forward to future opportunities to support learners across the Midlands.
Take a look at the Member spotlight video on the AONTAS Member Hub, and let’s start a discussion on the Transformative Power of Community Education. AONTAS Member HUB
For more information, contact Lorraine O’Connor, Community Education Officer at AONTAS: loconnor@aontas.com
ACORN, Youth Work midlands Ireland https://www.youthworkmidlands.org/amyets
Maura Kearney AMETS Co-Ordinator: mkearney@youthworkmidlands.org
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