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
RCN: 20013042
Happy New Year from all of us at AONTAS!
Athbhliain faoi shéan agus faoi mhaise daoibh go léir!
Here’s to another year of learning, growing, and lifting up learner voices across our communities. Wishing you a 2026 full of curiosity, connection and new opportunities.
Athbhliain faoi shéan agus faoi mhaise daoibh go léir!
Here’s to another year of learning, growing, and lifting up learner voices across our communities. Wishing you a 2026 full of curiosity, connection and new opportunities.
January 1, 2026 at 10:01 AM
Happy New Year from all of us at AONTAS!
Athbhliain faoi shéan agus faoi mhaise daoibh go léir!
Here’s to another year of learning, growing, and lifting up learner voices across our communities. Wishing you a 2026 full of curiosity, connection and new opportunities.
Athbhliain faoi shéan agus faoi mhaise daoibh go léir!
Here’s to another year of learning, growing, and lifting up learner voices across our communities. Wishing you a 2026 full of curiosity, connection and new opportunities.
As 2025 ends, Our CEO Dearbháil Lawless reflects on addressing the Oireachtas Committee, highlighting the impact of AONTAS and our members. Thanks to all our learners, members, and partners for a memorable year. Here’s to 2026!
December 31, 2025 at 10:00 AM
As 2025 ends, Our CEO Dearbháil Lawless reflects on addressing the Oireachtas Committee, highlighting the impact of AONTAS and our members. Thanks to all our learners, members, and partners for a memorable year. Here’s to 2026!
Traci Barton, Finance and Administration Officer, was inspired by Cathy Clear at the AONTAS Adult Education Summit 2025. Cathy’s story showed the power of lifelong learning, how small steps can open new possibilities, leaving her uplifted and reminded of learning’s joy at any age.
December 30, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Traci Barton, Finance and Administration Officer, was inspired by Cathy Clear at the AONTAS Adult Education Summit 2025. Cathy’s story showed the power of lifelong learning, how small steps can open new possibilities, leaving her uplifted and reminded of learning’s joy at any age.
Giuliana Peña, Publications and Design Officer, recalls the Writers’ Workshop as a highlight of 2025. Bringing together researchers, learners, and practitioners, it reflected what makes “The Adult Learner” special: supporting writers, valuing voices, carrying care onto the page.
December 30, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Giuliana Peña, Publications and Design Officer, recalls the Writers’ Workshop as a highlight of 2025. Bringing together researchers, learners, and practitioners, it reflected what makes “The Adult Learner” special: supporting writers, valuing voices, carrying care onto the page.
Looking back on 2025, Conor Thompson, Head of Advocacy, highlights the Community Education Campaign, Local, Lifelong, Lifechanging. Shaped by the Community Education Network and learner voice, it brought community education stories into local, national and political spaces.
December 29, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Looking back on 2025, Conor Thompson, Head of Advocacy, highlights the Community Education Campaign, Local, Lifelong, Lifechanging. Shaped by the Community Education Network and learner voice, it brought community education stories into local, national and political spaces.
Brian Desmond, Membership and Engagement Officer, reflects on a 2025 highlight: the STAR Awards. From meeting learners and staff across Ireland to visiting winners, he was inspired by the dedication, compassion and innovation across adult and community education.
December 29, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Brian Desmond, Membership and Engagement Officer, reflects on a 2025 highlight: the STAR Awards. From meeting learners and staff across Ireland to visiting winners, he was inspired by the dedication, compassion and innovation across adult and community education.
Aisling Meyler, Research Officer for Learner Initiatives, shares a 2025 highlight: the Community Education Against Disinformation project. Built on years of research and collaboration, the workbook is already helping communities tackle online disinformation across Ireland.
December 26, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Aisling Meyler, Research Officer for Learner Initiatives, shares a 2025 highlight: the Community Education Against Disinformation project. Built on years of research and collaboration, the workbook is already helping communities tackle online disinformation across Ireland.
A standout AONTAS 2025 moment from Karyn Farrell, Learner Voice Project Officer, was delivering Learner Voice training across eight ETBs, creating interactive sessions to share experiences and practical tools to strengthen Learner Voice.
December 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM
A standout AONTAS 2025 moment from Karyn Farrell, Learner Voice Project Officer, was delivering Learner Voice training across eight ETBs, creating interactive sessions to share experiences and practical tools to strengthen Learner Voice.
A huge thank you to all our learners, members & partners for being part of the AONTAS community this year.
Wishing you a very merry Christmas & a happy New Year 🎄
Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Daoibh. 🎄
Wishing you a very merry Christmas & a happy New Year 🎄
Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Daoibh. 🎄
December 25, 2025 at 10:01 AM
A huge thank you to all our learners, members & partners for being part of the AONTAS community this year.
Wishing you a very merry Christmas & a happy New Year 🎄
Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Daoibh. 🎄
Wishing you a very merry Christmas & a happy New Year 🎄
Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Daoibh. 🎄
Another AONTAS 2025 moment from Thomas Murray, Head of Research: Caoimhe Butterly’s keynote at our education policy discussion in Dublin, celebrating community education, collective care, and the quiet power of joy as resistance.
December 24, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Another AONTAS 2025 moment from Thomas Murray, Head of Research: Caoimhe Butterly’s keynote at our education policy discussion in Dublin, celebrating community education, collective care, and the quiet power of joy as resistance.
Another highlight from AONTAS 2025 comes from Lorraine, Community Education Officer. She recalls the exhibition space at the AONTAS Adult Education Summit, a space dedicated to giving back to our CEN members and celebrating the incredible work happening across community education.
December 24, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Another highlight from AONTAS 2025 comes from Lorraine, Community Education Officer. She recalls the exhibition space at the AONTAS Adult Education Summit, a space dedicated to giving back to our CEN members and celebrating the incredible work happening across community education.
Next in our AONTAS 2025 moments, Eve Cobain, Senior Research Officer, recalls launching our first all-island research on Community Education for Social Transformation, exploring the sector’s capacity for change and the resources it needs.
December 23, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Next in our AONTAS 2025 moments, Eve Cobain, Senior Research Officer, recalls launching our first all-island research on Community Education for Social Transformation, exploring the sector’s capacity for change and the resources it needs.
Today’s AONTAS 2025 moment comes from Philip: the launch of the Learner Voices Across Ireland report. After a year of forums and focus groups, learners’ powerful, empathetic stories shaped this important report across Further Education and Training.
December 23, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Today’s AONTAS 2025 moment comes from Philip: the launch of the Learner Voices Across Ireland report. After a year of forums and focus groups, learners’ powerful, empathetic stories shaped this important report across Further Education and Training.
Continuing our AONTAS 2025 moments, Ruby Cooney, our Education Projects Officer shares one her highlights of the year was meeting Ulreeka, the Community Dog at Dunboyne College of Further Education, and seeing the positive impact animals can have on wellbeing in adult education.
December 22, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Continuing our AONTAS 2025 moments, Ruby Cooney, our Education Projects Officer shares one her highlights of the year was meeting Ulreeka, the Community Dog at Dunboyne College of Further Education, and seeing the positive impact animals can have on wellbeing in adult education.
As the year wraps up, AONTAS staff share their 2025 highlights. Larisa Sioneriu, Adult Education Initiatives Officer, loved the Learners as Leaders Community Changemakers Programme, co-creating a space of creativity, care and connection that sparked momentum for change.
December 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM
As the year wraps up, AONTAS staff share their 2025 highlights. Larisa Sioneriu, Adult Education Initiatives Officer, loved the Learners as Leaders Community Changemakers Programme, co-creating a space of creativity, care and connection that sparked momentum for change.
Community Education Officer Lorraine O’Connor’s blog on her visit to our new CEN member Lus na Gréine Family Resource Centre in Longford is now live. It reflects on the power of community education to build connection, confidence and belonging.
Read more: tinyurl.com/kxz8w6fb
Read more: tinyurl.com/kxz8w6fb
December 19, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Community Education Officer Lorraine O’Connor’s blog on her visit to our new CEN member Lus na Gréine Family Resource Centre in Longford is now live. It reflects on the power of community education to build connection, confidence and belonging.
Read more: tinyurl.com/kxz8w6fb
Read more: tinyurl.com/kxz8w6fb
In October, Learner Voices Project Officer Karyn Farrell and Education Projects Officer Ruby Cooney delivered training to 23 learners from Louth and Meath Education and Training Board at the Ó Fiaich Institute of Further Education.
All learners attending are newly elected Class Reps responsible fo
All learners attending are newly elected Class Reps responsible fo
December 17, 2025 at 12:08 PM
In October, Learner Voices Project Officer Karyn Farrell and Education Projects Officer Ruby Cooney delivered training to 23 learners from Louth and Meath Education and Training Board at the Ó Fiaich Institute of Further Education.
All learners attending are newly elected Class Reps responsible fo
All learners attending are newly elected Class Reps responsible fo
Larisa & Conor joined the final #NEAAL 2024–25 meeting in Brussels 🌍
Celebrating collaboration & sharing Ireland’s adult learning journey across Europe. Read more: tinyurl.com/m44u2ryk
#NEAAL
Celebrating collaboration & sharing Ireland’s adult learning journey across Europe. Read more: tinyurl.com/m44u2ryk
#NEAAL
December 16, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Larisa & Conor joined the final #NEAAL 2024–25 meeting in Brussels 🌍
Celebrating collaboration & sharing Ireland’s adult learning journey across Europe. Read more: tinyurl.com/m44u2ryk
#NEAAL
Celebrating collaboration & sharing Ireland’s adult learning journey across Europe. Read more: tinyurl.com/m44u2ryk
#NEAAL
Minister Marian Harkin got a first-hand look at the incredible work happening across Mullingar’s community education projects yesterday.
#AONTAS #communityeducation
#AONTAS #communityeducation
December 16, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Minister Marian Harkin got a first-hand look at the incredible work happening across Mullingar’s community education projects yesterday.
#AONTAS #communityeducation
#AONTAS #communityeducation
Delighted to welcome Minister Marian Harkin to Women’s Community Projects & WCI Mullingar to launch the Women’s Storytelling Project.
We also met to bring CEN voices directly to the table to discuss challenges facing the sector. Community education changes lives.
We also met to bring CEN voices directly to the table to discuss challenges facing the sector. Community education changes lives.
December 16, 2025 at 10:41 AM
Delighted to welcome Minister Marian Harkin to Women’s Community Projects & WCI Mullingar to launch the Women’s Storytelling Project.
We also met to bring CEN voices directly to the table to discuss challenges facing the sector. Community education changes lives.
We also met to bring CEN voices directly to the table to discuss challenges facing the sector. Community education changes lives.
In October, our Learner Voices team delivered online Class Rep training to learners in An Cosan, exploring the role of Class Reps and how to give effective feedback. Delighted to connect with a valued member of the AONTAS Community Education Network. #NEAAL #LearnerVoice
December 15, 2025 at 11:05 AM
In October, our Learner Voices team delivered online Class Rep training to learners in An Cosan, exploring the role of Class Reps and how to give effective feedback. Delighted to connect with a valued member of the AONTAS Community Education Network. #NEAAL #LearnerVoice
Great day in Kerry as Karyn and Ruby delivered Class Rep training to 46 learners across four KETB campuses. Learners explored the Class Rep role, how to give effective feedback, and enjoyed connecting with others.
#NEAAL #LearnerVoice
#NEAAL #LearnerVoice
December 12, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Great day in Kerry as Karyn and Ruby delivered Class Rep training to 46 learners across four KETB campuses. Learners explored the Class Rep role, how to give effective feedback, and enjoyed connecting with others.
#NEAAL #LearnerVoice
#NEAAL #LearnerVoice
You said it, we did!
Over the past two years AONTAS has run Learner Voice training for ETB staff, and sparked real change.
57 ETB staff joined our Learner Voice webinar to hear practical insights from staff and learners.
Watch it now on the AONTAS Members Hub.
#NEAAL #LearnerVoice
Over the past two years AONTAS has run Learner Voice training for ETB staff, and sparked real change.
57 ETB staff joined our Learner Voice webinar to hear practical insights from staff and learners.
Watch it now on the AONTAS Members Hub.
#NEAAL #LearnerVoice
December 11, 2025 at 10:01 AM
You said it, we did!
Over the past two years AONTAS has run Learner Voice training for ETB staff, and sparked real change.
57 ETB staff joined our Learner Voice webinar to hear practical insights from staff and learners.
Watch it now on the AONTAS Members Hub.
#NEAAL #LearnerVoice
Over the past two years AONTAS has run Learner Voice training for ETB staff, and sparked real change.
57 ETB staff joined our Learner Voice webinar to hear practical insights from staff and learners.
Watch it now on the AONTAS Members Hub.
#NEAAL #LearnerVoice
Great to bring Community Education organisations together for our final CEN meeting of 2025. We reflected on the year, planned for 2026, and were inspired by the energy in the room.
Thank you to all who joined us. Wishing our CEN members a peaceful Christmas and a great year ahead🎄
Thank you to all who joined us. Wishing our CEN members a peaceful Christmas and a great year ahead🎄
December 10, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Great to bring Community Education organisations together for our final CEN meeting of 2025. We reflected on the year, planned for 2026, and were inspired by the energy in the room.
Thank you to all who joined us. Wishing our CEN members a peaceful Christmas and a great year ahead🎄
Thank you to all who joined us. Wishing our CEN members a peaceful Christmas and a great year ahead🎄
Our CEO Dearbhail is attending the @eaea.org event on "EU & Adult Learning – 30 Years of Partnership" today 🇪🇺 Celebrating decades of collaboration in adult learning across Europe!
Read more about the event here: eaea.org/event/eu-and...
Read more about the event here: eaea.org/event/eu-and...
December 10, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Our CEO Dearbhail is attending the @eaea.org event on "EU & Adult Learning – 30 Years of Partnership" today 🇪🇺 Celebrating decades of collaboration in adult learning across Europe!
Read more about the event here: eaea.org/event/eu-and...
Read more about the event here: eaea.org/event/eu-and...