Learners as Leaders 2026: Call for Applications
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Published on
June 15, 2026
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Supports adult learners in growing as leaders, strengthening their communities, and shaping the future of adult education. This project is funded through the New European Agenda for Adult Learning (NEAAL)
AONTAS is pleased to invite applications for Learners as Leaders 2026, an initiative that supports adult learners in developing leadership and advocacy skills within their communities.
This project is funded through the New European Agenda for Adult Learning (NEAAL)
Learners as Leaders Programme
Learners as Leaders is an annual AONTAS project that supports learners in growing personally and collectively and in strengthening their voices and visibility within the sector.
The goal is to bring together 12 adult learners from across Ireland, helping them build skills to design and lead a small, community-based project within their own learning or community environment.
Participants will receive expert training and be supported to design and deliver a small-scale initiative within their community.
The Learners as Leaders 2026 Programme application is available exclusively to learners of members of the AONTAS Community Education Network (CEN). If you are unsure whether your organisation is part of the CEN, please get in touch, and we can help you.
What’s Included:
- Fully funded overnight stay in Maynooth University (Wednesday 29 – Thursday 30 July 2026)
- Travel, meals and accommodation costs covered and organised by AONTAS
- 2 full-day workshops facilitated by artist and activist Grace Dyas in Maynooth University
- Two online group sessions
- Shared resources and tools
- Ongoing encouragement and check-ins
- Free ticket to attend and showcase their project at the AONTAS Adult Education Summit.
- Certificate of participation
About Grace Dyas
Grace Dyas is an artist, activist, and experienced facilitator specialising in socially engaged arts practice. Her work explores themes of power, equality, and social justice, using creative methods such as theatre, storytelling, and visual arts to help participants build confidence and express their lived experiences.
Grace brings a highly engaging and inclusive style, previously receiving excellent feedback from participants on the Learners as Leaders 2025 programme. Her workshops will support participants to:
- Build confidence in communication
- Explore leadership through creative methods
- Practice real-life scenarios in a safe, supportive environment
Who Should Apply
Applications are invited through CEN member organisations for learners who:
- Are currently engaged in (or recently involved in) community education
- Have an interest in leadership, advocacy, or community action
- Are motivated to lead a small project
Participant Requirements
To take part in the programme, learners must:
- Read and sign the Learners as Leaders Programme Agreement
- Commit to attending the full two-day residential training (29–30 July 2026)
- Participate in the online introduction and follow-up sessions
- Be willing to actively engage in all training activities
- Develop and deliver a small community-based project during the programme
- Be open to sharing experiences and learning with peers
- Participants who are interested will be supported and invited to contribute to the final showcase event at the AONTAS Adult Education Summit.
Organisational Requirements
The nominating CEN member organisation must:
- Hold current AONTAS membership
- Provide encouragement and practical support throughout the programme
- Enable time and space (where possible) for the learner to develop their project
- Engage with AONTAS as needed to support learner participation
How to Apply
This programme is not open for public application. Applications are available exclusively to learners from organisations that are members of the AONTAS Community Education Network (CEN).
CEN member organisations are invited to share the application form with learners and support them in completing it.
If you are unsure whether your organisation is part of the CEN, please get in touch, and we will be happy to assist.
Please submit your application using this MS Form by the deadline: 9th July 2026 at 5 pm
Selection Process
Once applications have closed, all submissions will be reviewed by AONTAS. This process will include:
- An initial discussion with the organisation
- An informal conversation with the learner
Final selection will be based on:
- Learner interest and readiness
- The level of organisational support
- Ensuring regional balance
This project is funded through the New European Agenda for Adult Learning (NEAAL)
Need more information?
Please feel free to contact Ruby at rcooney@aontas.com for more information, membership inquiries, or any questions you may have about the Learners as Leaders 2026 programme.
This project is funded through the New European Agenda for Adult Learning (NEAAL)
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.
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Learners as Leaders 2026: Call for Applications
Written by
Published on
June 15, 2026
Share This
Supports adult learners in growing as leaders, strengthening their communities, and shaping the future of adult education. This project is funded through the New European Agenda for Adult Learning (NEAAL)
AONTAS is pleased to invite applications for Learners as Leaders 2026, an initiative that supports adult learners in developing leadership and advocacy skills within their communities.
This project is funded through the New European Agenda for Adult Learning (NEAAL)
Learners as Leaders Programme
Learners as Leaders is an annual AONTAS project that supports learners in growing personally and collectively and in strengthening their voices and visibility within the sector.
The goal is to bring together 12 adult learners from across Ireland, helping them build skills to design and lead a small, community-based project within their own learning or community environment.
Participants will receive expert training and be supported to design and deliver a small-scale initiative within their community.
The Learners as Leaders 2026 Programme application is available exclusively to learners of members of the AONTAS Community Education Network (CEN). If you are unsure whether your organisation is part of the CEN, please get in touch, and we can help you.
What’s Included:
- Fully funded overnight stay in Maynooth University (Wednesday 29 – Thursday 30 July 2026)
- Travel, meals and accommodation costs covered and organised by AONTAS
- 2 full-day workshops facilitated by artist and activist Grace Dyas in Maynooth University
- Two online group sessions
- Shared resources and tools
- Ongoing encouragement and check-ins
- Free ticket to attend and showcase their project at the AONTAS Adult Education Summit.
- Certificate of participation
About Grace Dyas
Grace Dyas is an artist, activist, and experienced facilitator specialising in socially engaged arts practice. Her work explores themes of power, equality, and social justice, using creative methods such as theatre, storytelling, and visual arts to help participants build confidence and express their lived experiences.
Grace brings a highly engaging and inclusive style, previously receiving excellent feedback from participants on the Learners as Leaders 2025 programme. Her workshops will support participants to:
- Build confidence in communication
- Explore leadership through creative methods
- Practice real-life scenarios in a safe, supportive environment
Who Should Apply
Applications are invited through CEN member organisations for learners who:
- Are currently engaged in (or recently involved in) community education
- Have an interest in leadership, advocacy, or community action
- Are motivated to lead a small project
Participant Requirements
To take part in the programme, learners must:
- Read and sign the Learners as Leaders Programme Agreement
- Commit to attending the full two-day residential training (29–30 July 2026)
- Participate in the online introduction and follow-up sessions
- Be willing to actively engage in all training activities
- Develop and deliver a small community-based project during the programme
- Be open to sharing experiences and learning with peers
- Participants who are interested will be supported and invited to contribute to the final showcase event at the AONTAS Adult Education Summit.
Organisational Requirements
The nominating CEN member organisation must:
- Hold current AONTAS membership
- Provide encouragement and practical support throughout the programme
- Enable time and space (where possible) for the learner to develop their project
- Engage with AONTAS as needed to support learner participation
How to Apply
This programme is not open for public application. Applications are available exclusively to learners from organisations that are members of the AONTAS Community Education Network (CEN).
CEN member organisations are invited to share the application form with learners and support them in completing it.
If you are unsure whether your organisation is part of the CEN, please get in touch, and we will be happy to assist.
Please submit your application using this MS Form by the deadline: 9th July 2026 at 5 pm
Selection Process
Once applications have closed, all submissions will be reviewed by AONTAS. This process will include:
- An initial discussion with the organisation
- An informal conversation with the learner
Final selection will be based on:
- Learner interest and readiness
- The level of organisational support
- Ensuring regional balance
This project is funded through the New European Agenda for Adult Learning (NEAAL)
Need more information?
Please feel free to contact Ruby at rcooney@aontas.com for more information, membership inquiries, or any questions you may have about the Learners as Leaders 2026 programme.
This project is funded through the New European Agenda for Adult Learning (NEAAL)
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.
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