AONTAS
@aontas
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
🇮🇪 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
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
Our five Budget 2027 asks: ✔️ Invest in Further Education and Training ✔️ Ringfence funding for community education ✔️ Reform learner financial supports ✔️ Expand disability supports across FET ✔️ Create a Shared Island Community Education Fund 📄 : tinyurl.com/PBS2027Document (2/2) #Budget2027
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
🎨 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
Community education creates spaces to build confidence, connection, and new opportunities at every stage of life. Read Lorraine O'Connor's reflections on visiting Age & Opportunity's Changing Gears workshop. 📖 Read here: www.aontas.com/community-ed... #CommunityEducation
Good guidance opens doors to learning, opportunity, and inclusion. We're pleased to see the launch of the new EU Reference Framework for Lifelong Guidance, including a strong focus on learner voice and supporting vulnerable groups. Read more: www.cedefop.europa.eu/en/publicati... #NEAAL
Sharing events helps keep the adult and community education sector connected. 🌐 If you’re hosting a workshop, webinar, or any other type of event, adding it to the Members Hub keeps others informed and connected. #AONTASMembersHub #CommunityEducation
"My participation in the Gateway Project has brought back my spark." ✨ Marta Semchiy shares how Community Education and the Gateway Project supported her journey from recovery to third-level education. Read her Learner Story: www.aontas.com/learner-stor...
Learner voice matters. Our latest blog brings together reflections from learners who participated in the National FET Learner Forum during the 2025–2026 term, sharing their experiences and insights. Read more: www.aontas.com/learner-voic... #LearnerVoice #FETLearnerForum
“In Youthreach, they pushed you to your potential and they were there for you.” Jade Kearney reflects on the support, encouragement, and opportunities that shaped her learning journey through Youthreach, Community Education, and HACE. Read her story: www.aontas.com/learner-stor...