BACK

Adult Education Makes me a Happier Person

I wasn’t too happy in school. I found it hard to get up in the mornings. There was too many in my class and there wasn’t enough support for me to get help. I needed more help with subjects like Maths. Sometimes I just need a little more time or support and then I am able to do my work.

My mum said she has seen a big change in my attitude in the last few years. I went on to St Kilian’s and it was much better. There was extra help for what I needed. This helped me to enjoy learning and now I’m in adult education. I’ve completed a Level 3 in Doras, an Advanced Advocacy Course in Cork Institute of Education and I have a gold Gaisce (President’s Award). Before the pandemic I was doing a ceramic course and I’m going to finish it when the centre opens again.

I’m in better humour. I’m happier and I have a lot of good friendships now. I found it easier to make friends in courses with others who have different abilities. They’re people I can relate to.

Adult learning is great. It is teaching me new skills and I like that I get to choose. Everyone should be able to do a course in what they want to do and not be forced to do a course just because it is the only one available for them. People with different abilities should have that choice and get the support they need. Having support is really important too. I’d find it difficult to look up courses and fill in forms without support. I have more support as an adult learner now which I actually love.

I’d recommend that other people with different abilities do adult learning. It would benefit you and there’s no need to be nervous. We all have a different ability and it shouldn’t get you down!

This story is Part of the Learners as Leaders activity within AONTAS’ current project ‘Adult and Community Education: Supported Learner Pathways 2020-2021’ as part of the European Agenda for Adult Learning.

Adult Education Makes me a Happier Person

Adult Education Helps People with Disabilities have Better Lives

"I seemed to hit the ground running and things went really well from the start"