The People Behind the STAR Awards: Learner Voice
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October 5, 2026
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(Part 3 of a 6-part series)
Every year, the AONTAS team are honoured to amplify ‘the voice of adult learning’ through the STAR Awards. The Learner Voice category is especially important to us as it recognises inspiring initiatives that put learners at the centre of decision-making.
This is an essential part of a healthy democracy and learner voice initiatives give learners meaningful platforms to shape policy, share their stories, and lead change in the places they learn, in their own communities and in their world. ‘Nothing about us, without us’ is the cornerstone of Learner Voice and participatory democracy.
In this blog we will look back at shortlisted projects that embody it.
Building Learner Representation and Governance
These initiatives create formal structures — councils, forums and support services — that give learners a lasting seat at the table in shaping policy and provision.
FET Student Council (Tipperary ETB)
Born from a 2022 Learner Voice Forum that brought together over 100 Tipperary ETB learners across Nenagh, Thurles and Clonmel, this initiative gave learners a formal channel to shape policy at local and national level. By January 2023, a Student Council was established with terms of reference built directly from learner feedback.
Cork ETB Learners’ Voices is a learner-led initiative and has grown to the point where members are represented on the Cork ETB Board itself. The group continues to expand its Learner Ambassador training programme and has reached out to build connections locally, regionally, nationally and at the wider European learning community level too.
Learner Support and Engagement Service (City of Dublin ETB)
Established in December 2022, this cross-organisational service embeds learner voice into FET through an annual learner survey, follow-up focus groups, and the ETB’s first-ever learner conference in 2024. It works closely with student councils, including developing a new handbook for incoming council members.
Inclusive Pathways for Learners with Disabilities
These projects open further and higher education to all learners and are built around co-design and self-advocacy.
Pathfinders Gorey Adult Learning Centre (WWETB)
A pilot programme from WWETB’s North Wexford Adult Literacy Department supporting autistic adult learners to build communication, organisational and self-advocacy skills. Through tailored QQI modules and consistent in-centre support, participants progress toward mainstream learning environments matched to their own interests and abilities.
My Voice – My Choice (WWETB and SETU)
A course supporting adults with intellectual disabilities to advocate for equality and human rights, built using a Universal Design approach to reach learners who haven’t previously had the opportunity to take part in further or higher education. Co-created around participants’ own interests, it opens new progression routes into future education.
Certificate in Applied Skills Development & Certificate in Personal Development (SETU)
These two co-designed accredited programmes give adults with intellectual disabilities a genuine pathway into university life, building confidence, independence and advocacy skills. With students as active partners in curriculum design and a paid Peer Facilitator role for peer mentoring, the programmes now support over 34 learners across SETU’s Waterford and Carlow campuses.
Down Syndrome Ireland Advisory Councils
This network of a National Advisory Council and four Regional Advisory Councils, is made up entirely of adults with Down syndrome, advocating on issues from housing to employment. Meeting monthly since the first council was founded in 2012, they place lived experience at the heart of Down Syndrome Ireland’s policy and advocacy work.
Sharing Learner Stories Through Media
Rather than formal governance, these initiatives amplify learner voice by capturing and broadcasting learners’ own stories.
An ETB project filming and sharing the personal journeys of adult literacy learners, including student ambassadors who overcame significant challenges to return to education — among them a student who returned to learn digital skills after losing her sight as an adult. The initiative celebrates resilience and challenges stigma, encouraging others to engage with lifelong learning.
Running since March 2024, this FET podcast shares first-hand learner stories to inspire adults considering a return to education. Rooted in FET’s core values of care, respect, community, inclusion and equality, it gives learners agency to shape how education is understood, while highlighting a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences.
Active Citizenship and Community Impact
These initiatives channel learner voice outward — into active citizenship and community celebration.
Voter Education Programme (Rehab)
Following Aontas/DALC training on Voter Education and Active Citizenship, Rehab rolled out workshops across its National Learning Network and RehabCare services, running over 10 sessions in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Kilkenny and Portlaoise. Delivered in partnership with the Electoral Commission, the programme builds self-advocacy skills and practical know-how for navigating the voting and registration process.
Dance with Me Tonight Campaign (MTM/LOETB Birr)
Sparked by one student’s dream to promote positivity and mental health, this project saw students record a charity single and host a concert in Birr Theatre, raising over €2,350 for Make-A-Wish Ireland. Along the way, participants gained QQI qualifications across music, events and marketing — a vivid example of the power of youth voice and creativity.
Start Your Nomination Today
I hope this gives you a sense of the Learner Voice category. If you are unsure if your project will fit in this category know that we have five other categories. Visit the other blogs in this series to hear about other STAR Awards nominees from 2024-2026.
Reach out to me at bdesmond@aontas.com if you’ve any questions or technical issues nominating for STAR Awards.
The closing date for receipt of nominations for STAR Awards 2027 is 30th October 2026 at 5pm.
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