Community Education ‘Transforms Lives’, Says Minister Marian Harkin TD During Mullingar Visit
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December 17, 2025
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The National Adult Learning Organisation, AONTAS was delighted to welcome Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Minister Marian Harkin TD, to Women’s Community Projects, Mullingar, a partner of Women’s Collective Ireland (WCI) Mullingar, where she met learners, staff, and representatives of the AONTAS Community Education Network (CEN).
During her visit, the Minister toured the centre, engaged directly with community educators and participants, and learned about the transformative impact of community education on individuals, families, and communities. The visit also included the launch of a new Women’s Storytelling Project developed by Women’s Community Projects/ WCI Mullingar, which highlights the power of local, needs-led learning initiatives that reflect lived experience and foster social inclusion.
At the meeting with AONTAS and CEN representatives, members shared the significant benefits of community education alongside the challenges currently facing the sector. With learner numbers increasing year-on-year and providers delivering more programmes with limited resources, AONTAS emphasised the pressing need for sustainable, multi-annual core funding and a greater recognition of the essential work carried out by community education organisations.
Members stressed the need for clear, accessible, and equitable supports that allow all learners to engage in Further Education and Training without undue financial hardship.
This engagement reflects Minister Harkin’s long-standing commitment to inclusive communities, regional development, and a society rooted in care – values that deeply align with the ethos of community education.
AONTAS is sincerely grateful to the Minister for taking the time to visit, listen, and engage constructively with learners and community educators.
Reflecting on the visit and importance of community education, Minister Harkin commented:
“Community education is the heartbeat of social inclusion and lifelong learning — it transforms lives, strengthens families, and empowers entire communities. I have seen first hand the incredible dedication of learners and educators who prove that when we invest in accessible, needs-led education, we build a fairer and more connected society. My commitment remains steadfast: to ensure sustainable funding and equitable support, so that we make real efforts to ensure that no one is left behind in their pursuit of learning and opportunity.”
Speaking after the visit, Dearbháil Lawless, CEO of AONTAS, said:
“The discussion reinforced what we know to be true: community education changes lives. We sincerely appreciate the Minister taking the time to meet learners, hear directly from our Network members, and engage with the realities and opportunities facing the sector. With proper investment and recognition, community education can continue to deliver the social, economic, and democratic benefits that Ireland needs.”
AONTAS will follow up with the Minister and her Department in the coming days to reiterate the proposals discussed, including sustainable funding for community education, improved processes and investment in the Reach Fund, and a learner-centred review of financial supports.
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Community Education ‘Transforms Lives’, Says Minister Marian Harkin TD During Mullingar Visit
Written by
Published on
December 17, 2025
Share This
The National Adult Learning Organisation, AONTAS was delighted to welcome Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Minister Marian Harkin TD, to Women’s Community Projects, Mullingar, a partner of Women’s Collective Ireland (WCI) Mullingar, where she met learners, staff, and representatives of the AONTAS Community Education Network (CEN).
During her visit, the Minister toured the centre, engaged directly with community educators and participants, and learned about the transformative impact of community education on individuals, families, and communities. The visit also included the launch of a new Women’s Storytelling Project developed by Women’s Community Projects/ WCI Mullingar, which highlights the power of local, needs-led learning initiatives that reflect lived experience and foster social inclusion.
At the meeting with AONTAS and CEN representatives, members shared the significant benefits of community education alongside the challenges currently facing the sector. With learner numbers increasing year-on-year and providers delivering more programmes with limited resources, AONTAS emphasised the pressing need for sustainable, multi-annual core funding and a greater recognition of the essential work carried out by community education organisations.
Members stressed the need for clear, accessible, and equitable supports that allow all learners to engage in Further Education and Training without undue financial hardship.
This engagement reflects Minister Harkin’s long-standing commitment to inclusive communities, regional development, and a society rooted in care – values that deeply align with the ethos of community education.
AONTAS is sincerely grateful to the Minister for taking the time to visit, listen, and engage constructively with learners and community educators.
Reflecting on the visit and importance of community education, Minister Harkin commented:
“Community education is the heartbeat of social inclusion and lifelong learning — it transforms lives, strengthens families, and empowers entire communities. I have seen first hand the incredible dedication of learners and educators who prove that when we invest in accessible, needs-led education, we build a fairer and more connected society. My commitment remains steadfast: to ensure sustainable funding and equitable support, so that we make real efforts to ensure that no one is left behind in their pursuit of learning and opportunity.”
Speaking after the visit, Dearbháil Lawless, CEO of AONTAS, said:
“The discussion reinforced what we know to be true: community education changes lives. We sincerely appreciate the Minister taking the time to meet learners, hear directly from our Network members, and engage with the realities and opportunities facing the sector. With proper investment and recognition, community education can continue to deliver the social, economic, and democratic benefits that Ireland needs.”
AONTAS will follow up with the Minister and her Department in the coming days to reiterate the proposals discussed, including sustainable funding for community education, improved processes and investment in the Reach Fund, and a learner-centred review of financial supports.
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