The STAR Awards recognise the very best in adult learning in Ireland. This year we are celebrating and acknowledging the incredible work that adult learning providers have done in adapting their provision during COVID-19 to ensure that the learners’ needs continue to be met. Winners will be announced during the Adult Learners’ Festival 2021 (1st – 5th March).
Nominations for the 15th AONTAS STAR Awards were received under five categories for adult learning initiatives that support:
- Health and Wellbeing
- Learner Voice
- Social Inclusion
- Sustainable Development through Education
- Third-level Access and Engagement
Twenty-one initiatives were shortlisted in five categories with some categories divided into Small/Medium and Large subcategories.
The STAR Awards is judged by an independent judging panel comprising of adult learners, tutors, and adult learning experts. The judging panel will meet online with the shortlisted groups in mid-February before choosing the overall winners. Winners will be announced during the week of the Adult Learners’ Festival 2021.
The shortlisted adult learning initiatives are:
Health and Wellbeing – Small/Medium Organisations
- Gorey Youth Needs Group (Wexford)
- Age Friendly Roscrea – Care and Connection through Covid (Tipperary)
- MenPower Programme (Offaly)
Health and Wellbeing – Large Organisations
- CDI’s Restorative Practices Training Programme (Dublin)
- SAOL Sisters Singers (Dublin)
- East Limerick Traveller Project (Limerick)
Third-level Access and Engagement
- DCU Ability Team (Dublin)
- AMETS Youth Work Award (Offaly)
- Power in Participation (Galway)
Social Inclusion – Small/Medium Organisations
- WALK REAL Ability Project (Dublin)
- RADE (Dublin)
- Aiseiri Progression Programme (Waterford)
Social Inclusion – Large Organisations
- Girdwood Level 2 Childcare Journey to Achievement Project (Armagh)
- LINC Programme (Limerick)
- Ability Programme IWA (National)
Sustainable Development through Education
- Cork ETB North Cork Upholstery & Textile Design Classes (Cork)
- CycleUP – Roscommon Womens Network (Roscommon)
- Kinsale College Green Campus Initiative (Cork)
Learner Voice
- Belfast Recovery College – Making Silent Voices Heard (Antrim)
- www.CoolockALS.ie (Dublin)
- My Blossom Channel Assertiveness Course (Dublin)
In addition to the above two Special Awards will be given for Mitigating Educational Disadvantage through Innovation (during COVID-19), and a European Social Fund Special Recognition Award.
The STAR Awards is proudly sponsored by the Open University in Ireland and the Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCNNI), the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI), Concern Worldwide, Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) and the European Social Fund (ESF). Sponsors will be offering special prizes to all 2021 STAR Award winners.
