PRESS RELEASE 

For Immediate Release 

AONTAS has successfully wrapped up its Connecting Communities for Collective Action Adult Education Summit 2025, a two-day international event that brought together learners, policymakers, practitioners, academics, and community organisations from across Ireland, the UK and Europe. 

At a time when political, social and economic divides are deepening across Europe, the event underscored the vital role that adult and community education plays in fostering social cohesion, rebuilding trust and strengthening participation in our communities. 

Formally opening the event, Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science with special responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills, Marian Harkin TD emphasised the importance of adult learning: 

“As we open this year’s Summit, I want to underline just how essential adult learning and community education are for building inclusive, resilient societies. When people have real opportunities to learn, to connect, and to take part, our communities grow stronger. That’s why my Department invests in adult education—through initiatives like community education and the REACH Fund—because empowering people with learning opportunities is essential for resilience, inclusion, and a fair future for all” 

Over the two days, delegates heard from internationally recognised thought-leaders, including Professor Peter Mayo and Associate Professor Sharon Clancy, and took part in workshops, performances, exhibitions and discussions with learners and experts from across Europe. 

A key part of the Summit was the launch of the 2024–2025 Learner Voices Across Ireland report, which shares the lived experiences of adult learners across the country, including those struggling to get by with inadequate financial support for essentials such as transport and other basic costs. 

The Summit also marked the launch of the 2025 special edition of The Adult Learner, a peer-reviewed journal highlighting how adult education can challenge racism and build a more equal and inclusive society. 

These publications offer timely insights into the impact of adult learning and shine a light on the importance of community education in tackling inequality and disadvantage. 

AONTAS CEO Dearbháil Lawless stressed how investing in adult and community education is critical in responding to today’s deepening social, political, and economic divides. 

“At a time of widening social, political, and economic divides, adult and community education remains one of our most powerful democratic tools, helping to rebuild trust, counter misinformation, strengthen communities, and empower people to take action. It must be protected and properly funded.  

The Summit created a space to confront systemic inequalities, learn from one another, and work together to advance equality and social justice.” 

In her remarks, she reflected on how adult learning empowers people to critically engage with the world, challenge structural inequalities, and support meaningful social change.”

The Summit also featured a Community Education Exhibitors Partner Showcase, celebrating the powerful work of community-based organisations and their contribution to learners across Ireland. 

The AONTAS Adult Education Summit 2025 took place on 19th and 20th November, bringing together voices from across the island of Ireland, the UK and Europe to share knowledge, build connections and strengthen the adult learning community. 

ENDS

For more information, contact:

Megan Fearon – mfearon@aontas.com