Are you an adult learner, who is currently involved in, or has recently completed, a community education programme and want to make a difference in your community?
Maybe your community is facing job insecurity, a lack of shared spaces, poor access to public transport, social isolation, or rising violence or drug use.
If you’re someone who notices these challenges and wishes things could be better, then we invite you to apply for the Community Changemakers Programme.
This new initiative is an opportunity for community education learners to build skills, get support, and lead small, meaningful projects that make their communities stronger.
Community Changemakers Programme
The Community Changemakers Programme will bring together 15 adults from across the country who are involved in community education and want to make a positive impact in their communities.
You’ll receive:
- A 2-day residential workshop on 20-21 August (overnight stay on 20th August, travel and food provided)
- 2x follow up online coaching sessions
- Support to design and lead a small project in your community
- Inspiration from guest artist and activist, Grace Dyas, and fellow changemakers
Example projects you could lead:
- Host a community conversation about a local issue
- Run a digital skills session
- Organise a skills swap or intergenerational event
- Start a walking group or mental wellness space
- Set up a local noticeboard or resource-sharing hub
- Create a visual or digital campaign around an issue you care about
- Coordinate a pop-up event like a clean-up, clothes swap, or food share
- Get involved in the AONTAS Community Education Campaign in September 2025
Who can apply?
We’re looking for 15 adults from across the country who are:
- Aged 18+
- Currently taking part in, or who have recently taken part in, community education with a member of the AONTAS Community Education Network
- Interested in creating positive change in your local area
- Committed to the principles of community education such as equality, inclusion and social change
- Aligned with the values of AONTAS, including social justice, social inclusion, partnership and collaboration, diversity, equality and feminism
- Able to take part in all programme activities including a 2-day residential training (August 2025), two online coaching sessions (Sept–Oct 2025), and a small community action project (Sept–Dec 2025)
You don’t need previous experience — just a willingness to learn, take action, and work alongside others.
We especially welcome applications from:
- Adults who have not had access to traditional leadership or educational opportunities
- Learners from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and identities
We will prioritise equal and balanced geographical, ethnic, and gender representation to ensure fairness. Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged.
Deadline: 23rd July at noon
Apply here: Community Changemakers Programme Application
If you have any questions, please email Larisa Sioneriu, Adult Education Initiatives Officer, at lsioneriu@aontas.com or call 087 388 6122.
This project is part of the Learners as Leaders Programme under the New European Agenda for Adult Learning (NEAAL) and is funded by the European Union.Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
