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 “Futures in Focus” soon.
#NEAAL
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. 👏
#ALF26
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
🎥 CEO Snapshot from Croke Park
Dearbháil 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
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
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
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
What a day at the #STARAwards2026! ✨ From Taiko Ireland to Emma Doran’s lively chat with Dearbháil 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 📸
Last week, Dearbháil 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
🔗 Read the research: www.aontas.com/wp-content/u...
#ALF26
That’s a wrap on the STAR Awards 2026.
Congratulations to all nominees and winners celebrating the impact of adult learning across Ireland.
#STARAwards2026
A highlight of this year’s STAR Awards was a conversation between Emma Doran and Dearbháil Lawless.
The discussion touched on storytelling, life experience and the role learning can play in shaping new opportunities.
#STARAwards2026
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
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
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
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 ➡️ www.aontas.com/knowledge/bl...
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
Opening pathways to higher education is at the heart of the #STARAwards2026 Third Level Access and Engagement category. 🎓
Sponsored by EPALE, it recognises initiatives supporting adult learners to access and thrive in third-level education.
Meet the finalists ➡️ www.aontas.com/knowledge/bl...
“There’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
We’re spotlighting the Health and Wellbeing finalists at the AONTAS STAR Awards 💚
Sponsored by @mentalhealthirl.bsky.social, this category recognises initiatives supporting positive mental health and wellbeing through adult learning.
Learn more➡️ www.aontas.com/knowledge/bl...
#STARAwards2026
The new Apprenticeships Report reflects AONTAS recommendations on improving access and supports for apprentices.
Find out more:
www.aontas.com/knowledge/ne...
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
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 ➡️ www.aontas.com/knowledge/bl...
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. 👏
AONTAS staff are popping into events all week—find more here: adultlearnersfestival.ie
#ALF26
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
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
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
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 more➡️ www.aontas.com/knowledge/bl...
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
We're spotlighting #STARAwards2026 Learner Voice finalists. 📢
Sponsored by @qqireland.bsky.social, this category celebrates initiatives that put learners at the heart of decision-making, creativity and advocacy.
Learn more ➡️ www.aontas.com/knowledge/bl...
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
