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AONTAS

@aontas.com

The voice of adult learning in Ireland since 1969. Advocating for the right of all adults to quality lifelong learning. RCN: 20013042

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14.11.2024
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Latest posts by AONTAS @aontas.com

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Larisa Sioneriu attended the NEAAL 2026–2027 kick-off meeting last week! 🌍

Adult learning, basic skills & creative approaches like art are shaping the future of EU education.

More on AONTAS’ NEAAL initiative β€œFutures in Focus” soon.

#NEAAL

11.03.2026 16:20 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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More winners from the #STARAwards2026 ⭐

⭐ Third Level Access – Women's Collective Ireland Ronanstown
⭐ Learner Voice – SETU
⭐ Shooting Star Award – Men's Development Network
⭐ Special Recognition Award – Northside Partnership

Adult learning in action across Ireland. πŸ‘

#ALF26

11.03.2026 15:20 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Celebrating the winners of the #STARAwards2026 ⭐
Huge congratulations to the incredible projects and organisations
⭐ Social Inclusion – Secret Street Tours
⭐ Social Change – Northside Partnership
⭐ Health & Wellbeing – National Traveller MABS
#ALF26

11.03.2026 15:20 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
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πŸŽ₯ CEO Snapshot from Croke Park

DearbhΓ‘il reflects on a brilliant week celebrating adult learning during the Adult Learners’ Festival, ending with the STAR Awards at Croke Park.

Thanks to everyone who hosted events and took part across Ireland.

#CEOSnapshot #ALF26 #STARAwards2026

11.03.2026 11:08 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Our Community Education Officer Lorraine joined the Ballymun Community Cycle during the AONTAS Adult Learner Festival, organised by The Community Collectives.

Learners helped prepare bikes and organise refreshments, making it a real community effort.

#SpringIntoLearning #ALF26

10.03.2026 14:44 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Last week, Karyn attended a fantastic Open Day at the National Print Museum as part of the Adult Learners' Festival.

Learners from the Culture & Heritage Studies course led the museum tour and shared how the programme is building skills, confidence and pathways into the heritage sector.

#ALF26

10.03.2026 11:19 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Lorraine joined the Treats & Talks Networking Event at Coolock Development Council during the Adult Learner Festival.

AONTAS staff attended events across the country celebrating adult and community education. Great insights from Kim Walton of Donnycarney.

#SpringIntoLearning #ALF26

09.03.2026 16:52 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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What a day at the #STARAwards2026! ✨ From Taiko Ireland to Emma Doran’s lively chat with DearbhΓ‘il about learning’s life-changing power. It was full of laughter and celebration.
Huge thanks to Minister Marian Harkin, our shortlisted organisations, and everyone who made it unforgettable πŸ“Έ

09.03.2026 13:30 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Last week, DearbhΓ‘il and Conor spoke at an Alliance for Lifelong Learning event in Belfast, organised by OCNNI as part of the Adult Learners’ Festival. They shared insights from our Community Education for Social Transformation research

πŸ”— Read the research: www.aontas.com/wp-content/u...

#ALF26

09.03.2026 12:13 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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That’s a wrap on the STAR Awards 2026.

Congratulations to all nominees and winners celebrating the impact of adult learning across Ireland.

#STARAwards2026

06.03.2026 18:00 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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A highlight of this year’s STAR Awards was a conversation between Emma Doran and DearbhΓ‘il Lawless.

The discussion touched on storytelling, life experience and the role learning can play in shaping new opportunities.

#STARAwards2026

06.03.2026 13:50 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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The STAR Awards 2026 is underway.

Hosted by John D'Arcy with opening remarks from Marian Harkin.

Celebrating shortlisted initiatives transforming lives through adult learning.

#STARAwards2026

06.03.2026 13:30 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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The STAR Awards 2026 got underway at Croke Park with an energising opening performance from Taiko Ireland.

A powerful start to a day celebrating the organisations and initiatives making a difference through adult learning across the island of Ireland.

#STARAwards2026

06.03.2026 13:15 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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We’re at Croke Park for the STAR Awards 2026.

From 112 nominations to 24 shortlisted initiatives, today we celebrate the impact of adult learning across Ireland.

#STARAwards2026

06.03.2026 12:48 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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We're spotlighting the #STARAwards2026 Social Change finalists. ✨

Sponsored by @maynoothuniversity.ie, this category celebrates initiatives that drive community transformation and promote inclusion. Learn about the finalists ➑️ www.aontas.com/knowledge/bl...

05.03.2026 17:37 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Great to see Secret Street Tours, a finalist in the Social Inclusion category of the AONTAS STAR Awards, featured on RTÉ Radio 1 this week.

Best of luck to the team ahead of the STAR Awards tomorrow ⭐

🎧 Listen back: www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...

#STARAwards2026

05.03.2026 16:30 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Opening pathways to higher education is at the heart of the #STARAwards2026 Third Level Access and Engagement category. πŸŽ“

Sponsored by EPALE, it recognises initiatives supporting adult learners to access and thrive in third-level education.

Meet the finalists ➑️ www.aontas.com/knowledge/bl...

05.03.2026 15:49 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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β€œThere’s always a way – you just need to make your imagination bigger.” 🌱

Read Gerry’s story of courage and learning: www.aontas.com/learner-stor...

The Adult Learners’ Festival still has events on! Find some here: www.adultlearnersfestival.ie/

#ALF26 #SpringIntoLearning

05.03.2026 15:01 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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We’re spotlighting the Health and Wellbeing finalists at the AONTAS STAR Awards πŸ’š

Sponsored by @mentalhealthirl.bsky.social, this category recognises initiatives supporting positive mental health and wellbeing through adult learning.

Learn more➑️ www.aontas.com/knowledge/bl...

#STARAwards2026

05.03.2026 14:13 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 1
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The new Apprenticeships Report reflects AONTAS recommendations on improving access and supports for apprentices.

Find out more:
www.aontas.com/knowledge/ne...

05.03.2026 11:55 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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We’re delighted to share that Emma Doran will join us as our Celebrity Guest Speaker at this year’s Star Awards. 🎭

From sold-out shows to bestselling books, podcasts and TV appearances, Emma has become one of Ireland’s most recognisable comedic voices.

Join us tomorrow! ⭐

#STARAwards2026

05.03.2026 10:33 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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We’re spotlighting the #STARAwards2026 Social Inclusion finalists. 🌟

Sponsored by Open College Network Northern Ireland, this category celebrates initiatives creating real pathways to education, employment and inclusion.

Learn more about the finalists ➑️ www.aontas.com/knowledge/bl...

04.03.2026 17:02 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Lorraine joined an inspiring online workshop with Mind Emotional Nurturing during the Adult Learners Festival. Abi Lynch explored building trust and connection through compassion-based coaching. πŸ‘

AONTAS staff are popping into events all weekβ€”find more here: adultlearnersfestival.ie

#ALF26

04.03.2026 16:30 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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John’s journey from prison to university‑level study shows the transformative power of adult education 🌱

Read his story:
www.aontas.com/learner-stor...

#ALF26 #LearnerStories #SpringIntoLearning

04.03.2026 15:30 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Brian, our Membership and Digital Engagement Officer, dropped into the One Photo, One Story exhibition at City of Dublin FET College.

A powerful celebration of adult learners’ creativity, courage and lived experience.🌱

Find more events at adultlearnersfestival.ie

#SpringIntoLearning #ALF26

04.03.2026 14:01 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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As the Adult Learners’ Festival continues, Leni Miles is rewriting her story 🌿

From leaving school at 17 to discovering new skills and confidence through community education, she’s proof it’s never too late to start again.

Read her story:
www.aontas.com/learner-stor...

#ALF26 #LearnerStories

04.03.2026 12:45 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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We’re spotlighting the #STARAwards2026 Global Citizenship Education finalists. 🌍

Sponsored by @saoltaed.bsky.social, this category recognises initiatives that empower people into active citizenship roles in their communities.

Learn more➑️ www.aontas.com/knowledge/bl...

04.03.2026 12:06 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Esther arrived in Ireland with limited English and no computer skills. Through adult education, she rebuilt confidence, gained skills, and found her community ✨

Read her story:
www.aontas.com/learner-stor...

#ALF26 #LearnerStories

03.03.2026 17:03 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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We're spotlighting #STARAwards2026 Learner Voice finalists. πŸ“’

Sponsored by @qqireland.bsky.social, this category celebrates initiatives that put learners at the heart of decision-making, creativity and advocacy.

Learn more ➑️ www.aontas.com/knowledge/bl...

03.03.2026 15:30 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Nikita’s journey through adult education helped her regain confidence and purpose while supporting other mums 🌿

Read her story:
www.aontas.com/learner-stor...

#ALF26 #LearnerStories

03.03.2026 14:46 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0