AONTAS is seeking nominations from adult learning initiatives throughout Ireland for the 13th Annual STAR Awards 2019. The awards celebrate the positive contribution that adult learning initiatives make to adult learners, local communities and wider society in Ireland.
Adult and community education is about more than receiving a qualification. From improved confidence to better health, the wider benefits are far-reaching and can have a hugely positive impact on a person’s life, family and wider community. That’s why our award categories for 2019 reflect the diversity of adult learning initiatives taking place across the country.
Since its inception in 2007 over 1,000 adult learning initiatives across a wide variety of areas – including arts, mental health, addiction and disability – have been recognised through the STAR Awards.
For 2019, nominations are invited under four categories - Adult Learning Initiatives that Support:
Health and Wellbeing
This category is open to adult learning initiatives that support increased health and wellbeing for participants, for example mental health, physical activity and nutrition.
Third Level Access and Engagement - Sponsored by The Teachers' Union of Ireland
This category is open to adult learning initiatives that support educational equality by providing access to adult learners from low income backgrounds/learners with disabilities into Third Level programmes and/or initiatives that promote partnership between higher education providers and local communities.
Social Inclusion - Sponsored by The Open University in Ireland
This category is open to adult learning initiatives that support all participants to effectively engage with their local community and contribute to social and cultural life, examples may include initiatives that provide participants with access to information and communication technologies.
Sustainable Employment - Sponsored by The Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCNNI)
This category is open to adult learning initiatives that support participants to gain the necessary skills to improve their job opportunities and provide them with better quality employment.
AONTAS has partnered up with a range of sponsors this year who will be offering special prizes to winners. Sponsors include:
Nominate an adult learning initiative today at: www.adultlearnersfestival.awardsplatform.com. DEADLINE EXTENDED to Friday, 14th December 2018 at 5pm.
Winners will be announced at the STAR Awards ceremony, which will be the opening event of the Adult Learners’ Festival 2019. The ceremony will take place in Dublin on Monday, 4th March 2019. The Adult Learners' Festival will take place from the 4th – 8th March 2019.
Click here for more information or contact Barry Dolan, Communications and Events Officer, bdolan@aontas.com