The ENHANCE project may have come to an end, but its impact continues. Our EU Projects Officer, Larisa Sioneriu, reflects on the journey, the partnerships, and why learner voice must remain at the heart of adult education. Read more: www.aontas.com/when-learner... #ENHANCE
AONTAS
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The voice of adult learning in Ireland since 1969. Advocating for the right of all adults to quality lifelong learning. Charity Reg: 6719 | Company Reg: 80958 | RCN 20013042
What does adult education mean to you? 💬 Hear from participants at last year's AONTAS Adult Education Summit as they share why adult education matters. Join the conversation at this year's Summit on 21 & 22 October. 🎟️ tinyurl.com/AONTASSummit... #AONTASSummit2026
We're delighted to share Making spACE for Community as a Saolta partner. 🌱 Join this national gathering celebrating how Adult and Community Education brings people together and helps communities thrive. 📅 Wednesday, 4 November Register here: www.eventbrite.ie/e/making-spa... #AdultEducation
Financial support can make the difference between starting a course and having to walk away from it. Every learner deserves the opportunity to participate in education without financial hardship holding them back. Read our full Pre Budget Submission here: tinyurl.com/PBS2027Document #Budget2027
This September could be the start of something new. Looking to learn something new, build confidence, or make a fresh start? At Fetchcourses.ie, you can explore a wide range of Further Education and Training opportunities. Visit fetchcourses.ie to take the first step.
This year marks 50 years since the first International Council for Adult Education (ICAE) World Assembly in Tanzania. 🌍 For five decades, ICAE has championed adult education and lifelong learning, bringing learners' voices into global conversations. Learn more or become a member: icae.global/en/
Why join the #AONTASMembersHub? As an AONTAS member, you'll get access to funding opportunities, EU project updates, and training and professional development, all in one place. Interested in becoming a member? Email membership@aontas.com to find out more.
🇮🇪 Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union until December 2026. What does that mean for adult learning? Our EU Projects Coordinator, Larisa Sioneriu, explains why this matters and how we're working to ensure learners' voices are part of the conversation. #NEAAL
Community education opened the door to creativity, confidence and connection for Tracy Cummins. Read how her learning journey grew into an inclusive community filmmaking movement. www.aontas.com/learner-stor... #LearnerVoice #CommunityEducation
Community education changes lives, but lasting impact needs lasting investment. We're calling for a ringfenced, multi-annual Community Education Fund Read more about this recommendation and our full Pre Budget Submission: tinyurl.com/PBS2027Document #Budget2027
🌸 The countdown is on! The AONTAS Adult Education Summit 2026 takes place on 21 & 22 October. Swipe through to discover the story behind this year's Summit design and the inspiration behind the cosmos flower. 🎟️ Get your ticket: tinyurl.com/AONTASSummit... #AONTASSummit2026 #NEAAL
We're delighted to welcome Paula O'Shea to the AONTAS Board! 👏 Elected at our AGM in June, Paula is a passionate advocate for learner voice, bringing lived experience and a strong commitment to ensuring learners are heard and represented. Welcome, Paula! #AONTASBoard
We're delighted to welcome Dr. Joe Collins to the AONTAS Board! 👏 Elected at our AGM in June, Joe brings more than 25 years' experience across adult, further and higher education, with a strong commitment to widening participation and lifelong learning. Welcome, Joe! #AONTASBoard
Great news! The AONTAS Community Education Network (CEN) has been selected for the 2026 Training Links Programme, run by The Wheel. This project will support a flexible, member led training programme shaped by the needs of CEN members. #CommunityEducationNetwork #TrainingLinks2026
It's Thursday, so we're looking back! This time last year, we wrapped up our Storytelling for Connecting Communities workshop series across six counties. The handbook is still full of practical ideas for using storytelling to build stronger communities. 📖 tinyurl.com/SCCHandbook2025 #NEAAL #TBT
Building a new habit? 💡 Small reminders can make all the difference. Bookmark the Members Hub, pin your login email, or set a reminder to check in regularly. It's your space for professional development, connection, and updates to support your work in adult and community education. #MembersHub
AI is becoming part of everyday life, and learning about it should be accessible to everyone. Watch below to learn more about AIReady.ie and explore free, short AI courses designed for everyday learners. Share it with someone who might benefit.
Have you read our latest blog yet? Learners from across the National FET Learner Forum reflect on their experiences during the 2025–2026 academic year and the importance of learner voice in FET. Read more: www.aontas.com/learner-voic... #LearnerVoice #FETLearnerForum
It was a pleasure to welcome our colleagues from Centro Qualifica to Ireland for a study visit last week. Great conversations, shared learning, and valuable exchanges on adult learning and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Thank you for visiting us. We look forward to staying connected. #NEAAL
What should Budget 2027 deliver for adult learners? Our Pre-Budget Submission sets out five practical, evidence-based recommendations to strengthen adult learning, support communities and remove barriers to participation. 🧵 (1/2) #Budget2027
AONTAS met with Minister Lawless and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to launch our Pre-Budget Submission 2027. Read more about our five recommendations for adult learning: www.aontas.com/pre-budget-s... #Budget2027
Budget 2027 is an opportunity to invest where it matters most. Our Pre-Budget Submission 2027 calls on Government to prioritise adult learning through five practical recommendations. Hear from our Head of Advocacy and Policy, Conor Thompson. 📄: www.aontas.com/advocacy/bud... #Budget2027
Curious about AI but not sure where to start? AIReady.ie offers free, easy-to-follow courses designed to help you build your confidence and understand the basics of AI. Explore the platform and share it with friends, family or colleagues.
💡 Your ideas and lived experience can help create positive change. The free New Solutions Social Innovation Lab supports aspiring social innovators to develop and test ideas that make a difference. 📅 Applications close 31 July 2026. 🔗 www.new-solutions.ie/social-innov...
"I feel part of a wonderful educational system, and fulfilled as well." Alan Anthony Quinn shares how returning to education with Tipperary ETB helped him rediscover his passion for photography, build confidence and find his voice. Read Alan's learner story: www.aontas.com/learner-stor...
Could you be part of the next Learners as Leaders? Applications for Learners as Leaders 2026 close this Thursday, 9 July. If you've been thinking about applying, or know a learner who would thrive in the programme, now's the time. 🔗 www.aontas.com/learners-as-... #LearnersAsLeaders #NEAAL
📸 A look back at last month's @eaea.org Annual Conference in Warsaw! Our CEO, Dearbháil Lawless, joined colleagues from across Europe to explore how supportive communities build resilience. Read more in the EAEA blog: eaea.org/2026/06/30/e... #AdultLearning #Resilience #EAEA2026
A wonderful celebration of learner achievement and the impact of community education. Read about Lorraine O'Connor's visit to the Henrietta Adult and Community Education (HACE) End-of-Year Graduation Ceremony. 🔗: www.aontas.com/empowering-l... #CommunityEducation
Missed last week's VOICES webinar? Watch back Contemporary Witnesses | On Oral History, Counter Archives and Adult Learning to explore the role of oral history and lived experience in adult learning. 🎥 www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0JM... #VOICES
🎨 What does leadership look like? Creative workshops, new skills, and the confidence to lead. Learners as Leaders 2026 includes two full-day workshops with Grace Dyas at @maynoothuniversity.ie. 📅 Apply by 9 July. 🔗 www.aontas.com/learners-as-... #LearnersAsLeaders #NEAAL