People who go back to education or take different paths in their learning often talk to us about their experiences. They want to encourage others to follow their own education dreams. Here, Noel Rafter shares his story of doing different courses at Kilkenny Adult Learning Service, Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board, and how the experience has made a difference for him
After being made redundant fourteen years ago, Noel decided to go back to education. And he hasn’t looked back. He says the experience has been “nothing but positive” and he has developed a real love for learning.
“I joined an interagency group in Kilkenny Adult Learning Service. It’s a group of about twenty adult learners that come together to work on courses with different QQI [Quality and Qualifications Ireland] Levels.
In his spare time, Noel also volunteers with the Men’s Shed in Kilkenny.
Noel has recently become involved in a project with Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB) through their Adult Literacy Service. The service has collaborated with the Kilkenny-based animation studios Cartoon Saloon on a project called One Book One Film for All. The project is centred on WolfWalkers, the company’s Oscar-nominated book and movie, and participants are encouraged to read the book, and to watch and discuss the film. He says that one of the benefits of being a lifelong learner is joining new activities like this one.
Noel is also training to become a “Learner Champion” with Kilkenny Adult Literacy Service and KCETB. A Learner Champion is someone who will share their story to encourage others to take part in adult education courses. In September, Noel joined a Learner Voice Training workshop with members of the AONTAS team. Among other things this work supports learners to share their stories and experiences to encourage other people to take up adult education classes in their area.
Noel was one of four learners brave enough to stand up in the front of the group and tell his story of returning to education.
He didn’t have a positive experience of school and wasn’t comfortable with reading or writing.
“I went to boarding school at the age of eight. The teachers there regarded me as a slow learner.”
He says he was never given any additional supports as a child and he left school early.
His experience of adult education is a very different one, and he describes the tutors in Kilkenny Adult Learning Service as “very supportive and helpful. If you have any problems doing the modules, they’ll explain as best they can.”
He enjoys learning new things and says his return to education has given him a new purpose in life and the confidence to go out and meet people.
His advice for anyone who is thinking of going back to education is: “Go ahead. It’s a lovely experience. You meet lovely people and it’s completely different to school. The tutors make the difference. We have an equal partnership with tutors. The learning is tailored towards learners’ needs and they make you feel relaxed.”
Check out our website to learn more about Learner Voice training and Learner Champions
For more information contact Karyn at kfarrell@aontas.com
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