“Discovering your ability to do something new is lovely.”
For Kitty Meehan, returning to education later in life sparked a lasting love of learning, one she has continued to build on through multiple courses.
A reminder it’s never too late to start learning.
🔗 www.aontas.com/learner-stor...
“Discovering your ability to do something new is lovely.”
For Kitty Meehan, returning to education later in life sparked a lasting love of learning, one she has continued to build on through multiple courses.
A reminder it’s never too late to start learning.
🔗 www.aontas.com/learner-stor...
🎧 What does learner empowerment look like in practice?
Rachael Ryan speaks with Rosalind Threadgold (WWETB) about My Voice, My Choice supporting adults with intellectual disabilities to build confidence, independence & real-life skills.
Listen: www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1zo...
#ENHANCE
📅 Save the Dates
AONTAS events coming up:
16 Apr – CEN Meeting (in person)
13 May – ENHANCE Seminar (in person)
20 May – North-South Meeting
3 Jun – AGM
21–22 Oct – Summit (launching Learner Voices Across Ireland & The Adult Learner Journal)
More info soon 👀
AONTAS is still inviting CEN members to express interest in joining our proposed Training Links Network 2026–2028.
With the deadline now extended. New deadline: 17 April
Find out more about the Training Links Networks and how to apply here: www.aontas.com/knowledge/ne...
“We are not judged by our past… it gives us purpose.”
Our Community Education Officer, Lorraine O'Connor visit to The Bridge Project Open Day showed the life-changing impact of inclusive, supportive learning environments.
Read more here: www.aontas.com/knowledge/bl...
🎤 ENHANCE Final Conference
Hear learner voices, explore project insights, and join European policymakers in shaping adult education.
📅 12 May | 09:30–13:00 | Online
📝 Register by 11 May: tinyurl.com/ENHANCEFINAL...
#LearnerVoice #LifelongLearning #ENHANCE
Thinking about going back to learning?
There are more options than you might think from - local courses to flexible and part-time opportunities designed to fit around your life.
Taking the first step can feel big, but the support is there.
🔗 Explore your options: www.aontas.com/adult-learni...
More highlights from our Inverness Learning Exchange 👇
Sharing more from our Ruby Cooney’s visit with The Highland Council.
Final day focused on shared learning and Learner Voice. Fergus Craddock shared insights on adult education in Ireland.
Blog soon keep an eye out.
#LearnerVoice
🎧 New ENHANCE Podcast Series: learners, educators & policymakers from across Europe share real stories on participation, democracy & adult learning.
Listen here: SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/eaea-soundcl...
| YouTube: www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
#ENHANCE #LearnerVoice #PodcastSeries
Authentic leadership rooted in values and voice
Our CEO Dearbháil Lawless joins the Leadership Academy Breakfast Club with Bridget Kelly hosted by COPE Galway
Free and open to the sector
🔗 www.wheel.ie/training/202...
March CEO Snapshot: Dearbháil reflects on her Sweden visit, folk high schools, and the value of international collaboration.
With Ireland’s EU Presidency ahead, adult learning must stay front and centre.
#CEOSnapshot #EUPresidency2026
Always inspired by Robert Cullen, AONTAS Learners as Leaders participant and campaign ambassador. He joins David McCullagh on RTÉ Radio 1 to share his story and insights on how prison can drive harm rather than change.
Listen here: www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
Michelle McGoldrick, Fergus Craddock, Ciaran Kennedy & Ruby Cooney travelled to Inverness for a Learning Exchange with The Highland Council.
From ESOL Chat & Play to community initiatives like Flip of the Coin, it was a great opportunity to see Learner Voice in action.
#LearnerVoice #TestandLearn
A new phase of the New European Agenda for Adult Learning is underway.
Our European Projects Coordinator Larisa Sioneriu shares insights on Futures in Focus and the role of adult learning in building a more inclusive, sustainable future.
Read more:
www.aontas.com/knowledge/bl...
#NEAAL
New from the @ec.europa.eu: Individual Learning Accounts – A Guide to Implementation
A useful resource bringing together insights, good practices and practical guidance to support the design and rollout of ILAs across Europe.
Read more: op.europa.eu/en/publicati...
#NEAAL
The National FET Learner Forum 2026 continues this spring 🌱
🗓️ Tipperary ETB – Thurs 16 Apr
🗓️ Waterford & Wexford ETB – Thurs 23 Apr
🗓️ Donegal ETB – Thurs 30 Apr
Bringing learners together to share experiences and shape the future of FET.
We hope to see you there 💬
#FETLearnerForum #LearnerVoice
Dearbháil visited Stockholm as EAEA Vice President, exploring Sweden’s Folk High Schools and their peer-to-peer approach to adult education. She’ll bring these insights to support local providers, with EAEA visiting Ireland this September to strengthen collaboration.
Great to see Men’s Development Network’s On Feirm Ground featured in yesterday’s @irishexaminer.bsky.social Farming.
This programme supports farmers’ mental health and wellbeing and was a recent STAR Awards winner. Thanks to Alice PR for their support in sharing the story.
#STARAwards2026
59 Kerry ETB learners gathered in Tralee for the National #FETLearnerForum 👏
One of the most uplifting forums so far, with learners highlighting the open, welcoming atmosphere and the chance to speak honestly and be heard.
Find out more ➡️ www.aontas.com/learner-voic...
#LearnerVoice
AONTAS is applying to the Training Links Programme 2026–2028 and seeking CEN members to express interest in joining our network.
Access funded training and collaborate across the sector.
🔗: tinyurl.com/TrainingLink...
🗓 Deadline: 10 April
#CommunityEducation #TrainingLinks
In Castlerea, Roscommon Women's Network hosted a 90-min workout for local women, followed by healthy refreshments—wellbeing and connection through learning!
#ALF26 #SpringIntoLearning
Concern Ireland hosted a powerful Adult Learners Festival event with documentary screenings and a thoughtful Q&A, sharing real stories from Haiti, Sudan and Ukraine.
An important space for reflection and a strong call to keep humanitarian support front and centre. Larisa was glad to attend.
#ALF26
Conor Thompson, our Head of Advocacy & Policy, will lead a session at the Irish EU Reference Group 🇪🇺 Exploring opportunities for Ireland’s EU Presidency 2026 in tertiary education
🗓 14 Apr | 📍 Dublin
🗒️ Register here: www.qqi.ie/events/eu-re...
#EUPresidency2026 #NEAAL
Lorraine and Larisa met colleagues from ANDRAS, the Estonian Adult Educators, at the AONTAS Adult Learner Festival. Swapping ideas and learning from each other has left us inspired for the year ahead!
#ALF26 #SpringIntoLearning
Two weeks on from the #STARAwards2026 and we’re still feeling the impact ✨
Ahead of the event, AONTAS Chairperson John D'Arcy shared his excitement and reflected on a brilliant Adult Learners’ Festival week.
Thanks to all shortlisted organisations, winners and partners
#ALF26 #SpringIntoLearning
📢 Did you know?
1 in 5 adults struggles with literacy, less than 40% take part in learning, and many still lack digital skills
One year on from the EU’s Union of Skills, AONTAS continues to support adult learning through #NEAAL
Learn more:
employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/news/union-s...
Great turnout at Access I.T. CLG’s Info Morning during the AONTAS Adult Learners Festival 2026 ☕💻 Affordable, flexible, informal computer training for all.
#ALF26 #SpringIntoLearning
Robert Cullen, Alternatives to Violence and AONTAS Learners as Leaders participant, shares his powerful story on the Change Is Possible podcast with Brian Pennie.
An honest conversation on trauma, violence, and the power of change.
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/2UkQ...
#LearnersAsLeaders
Lorraine O’Connor attended the Belmayne Community Group Women’s Health and Wellbeing Event for #ALF26 and International Women’s Day.
A great evening of shared learning, lively discussion and a calming breathing session, with plenty of ideas for future learning.
#SpringIntoLearning
