Discrimination and stigma impacts people every day in Ireland. Older people are often not considered or included. People from ethnic minority groups and people of colour face abuse and exclusion. Addiction, poor mental health, homelessness or incarceration impact people and their families. We know from our research that these stigmas and stereotypes can also be barriers to learning.
Adult and community education is a space of healing and opportunities. For many people, it is the first time they’ve been treated with care and respect in education. Due to their learning, they have the privilege of choice. The choice to continue their learning or the choice to consider new career opportunities. Education impacts the quality of their life, and they can find a love of learning.
However, without adequate financial supports and system reforms we won’t include the people that deserve and need this place of healing or the privilege of choice. We are very fortunate to have many wonderful education programmes and dedicated and passionate educators. But there are still those whose health is being impacted by stress due to financial costs and people who we haven’t managed to reach because of the barriers facing them.
AONTAS is calling for:
- a minimum of a 50% increase in allowances for people in FET (supporting things like travel and food)
- Increased financial support for people receiving social welfare or disability payments (many people are still living below the poverty line and can’t take the risk of entering a programme)
- And a commitment to provide clear and accessible information on financial supports and pathways in adult education
Please speak to your representatives, colleagues and friends about this issue. An investment in adult education is an investment in Irish society. While so many people are labelled as ‘lazy’ or ‘unmotivated’ because of their life circumstances please remember that discrimination, financial barriers and trauma continue to impact people in our communities. A healthy society nurtures healthy people. Adult learning must be recognised and valued for its ability to strengthen people and communities.
