On Wednesday, 22nd May 2019 over 70 members attended the AONTAS Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2019 in Dublin. At the meeting adult learner Noeleen Watson took part in a panel discussion to reflect on 50 Years of AONTAS. She shared the transformative effect that returning to education has had on her life and how she has used her voice to become an advocate for adult learning. Following the event Noeleen shared her thoughts in a poem she wrote.
Vocal
Open
Inspiring
Courageous
Love
Speak
From the heart
Allow the words
To flow within
Like a bubbling stream
Bursting to be freed
Be open
To the wondrous
Range of words
That make up our stories
That inspire and touch us so deeply
Courage to be heard
Courage to stand tall
Courage to be unique
Courage to say how it is
Courage to tell your story
Your journey begins with a step
One Step
It doesn’t matter how big or how small
Just take the step
Use your voice
Through stories songs images
Share
Be vulnerable
And be real
That’s what I do
Every time I use my voice
A poen by Noeleen Watson