Celebrate Learning!
AONTAS Adult Learners’ Festival 2007
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Co nte nts Page
List of Contents Foreword by John Ryan, President of AONTAS Introduction by Berni Brady, Director of AONTAS
2 3
Section 1: The STAR Awards Background to the STAR Awards Nominated Projects The Ceremony
5 6 7 17
Section 2: The Festival Nationwide Promoting the Festival Nationwide The Adult Learners’ Festival: A Snapshot of Activities Countrywide
27 28 28
Section 3: Demand Your Right to Learn Demand Your Right to Learn Conclusion
41 42 47
Appendix Complete List of Nominated Projects
49 50
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Pr es ide nt’ s Fo rew ord Foreword The first ever Adult Learners’ Festival took place in 2007 and was a resounding success. I would like to take this opportunity to say how honoured I am to have been President of AONTAS during this wonderful period of growth and development and to see the organisation’s hard work and planning for the festival come to fruition. The festival was an outstanding success and I was personally delighted to be part of it from start to finish. I would like to congratulate all in AONTAS for their hard work and commitment to the festival and I salute the many organisations across the country who contributed in such an important way, making the festival such an unforgettable occasion. I look forward to the establishment of the Adult Learners’ Festival as a significant annual event in the adult education calendar and I am quite sure it will continue to grow in strength and diversity in the years to come. John Ryan President of AONTAS
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Introduction The 2007 Adult Learners’ Festival, coordinated by AONTAS, was the first ever nationwide celebration of adult learning to be held in Ireland. The aim of the festival was to highlight the importance and diversity of learning undertaken by adults in a variety of settings, including educational institutions, the home and family, the workplace and the community. As such, it embraced a diverse range of activities, all serving to highlight that learning does not just happen within the confines of the formal education system. The theme of the 2007 festival was ‘Equal Learning Opportunities for All’, aptly reflecting the theme chosen by the European Commission for 2007, ‘The European Year of Equal Opportunities for All.’ We also wanted to focus on celebrating adult learning and so the opening event featured the STAR (Showcasing Teamwork, Awarding Recognition) Awards ceremony for adult learning projects. The STAR Awards, sponsored by FETAC, recognised the collaborative nature of adult learning. The outstanding quality of all nominated projects reflected the standard s of excellence that the adult education sector strives to achieve. Throughout the week of the festival, local coordinators across the country arranged a series of events that collectively helped to highlight the wide range of learning possibilities available and bring adult learning into the public arena. The variety of events that took place truly demonstrated the diversity of the adult learning sector. From adult education fairs to taster music classes, open mornings to exhibitions, guidance events to ‘mind gym’ activities , there was an event to suit all tastes, nationwide. In addition, AONTAS unveiled a pre-election campaign at the closing event of the festival and a list of demands for the future development of adult and community educatio n as an integral part of overall education policy and spending. This event set the scene for the run up to the 2007 general election and formed the basis of an ongoing campaign to bring the necessity of support for adult learning to the attention of political parties. In coordinating the festival, AONTAS was kindly supported by the Department of Educatio n and Science, FETAC and the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI). We also received outstanding encouragement from a number of national groups, including the Irish Vocational Education Association (IVEA) Active Retirement Ireland, the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) the National Youth Council of Ireland and hundreds of supporte rs and members across the country. The first Adult Learners’ Festival was a huge success and I would like to thank all involved for helping to make it such a memorable event. Berni Brady
Director of AONTAS
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Section 1
The STAR Awards
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STAR Awards
Background The The 2007 STAR Awards ceremony was the culmination of a year of hard work and planning by AONTAS. our as well as level, process began in 2006 when we started working with various groups at local and national place take could members throughout the country, to ensure the first ever nationwide Adult Learners’ Festival in Ireland and work successfully. and From the start, we wanted the focus of the festival to be on celebrating – celebrating adult learning be would ceremony celebrating the achievements of adult learners. For this reason, we decided an awards g showcasin about was the most fitting way to mark the opening of the festival. The STAR Awards Ceremony projects learning teamwork, awarding recognition and acknowledging the fantastic work being done by adult make throughout the country. Most of all, it was about celebrating the positive contribution that these projects to our society, our economy and our local communities. was In keeping with the theme of the AONTAS Adult Learners’ Festival 2007, the topic of the STAR Awards on focus particular a ‘Equal Learning Opportunities for All’. AONTAS looked for adult learning projects with or providing those all working collaboratively to provide a learner-centred service. The Awards were open to within working participating in adult learning across the country. Six awards were made in total – to projects The six Connaught, Dublin City and County, Leinster (excluding Dublin), Munster, Ulster and throughout Ireland. and designed and winning projects received STAR Awards, specially commissioned by AONTAS for the event of direction the under produced by an adult education group at St. Francis Street Community Education Centre, their course tutor, Christian Kotey. Each unique award was hand-made from Irish bog oak. and The quality, quantity and diversity of all 44 nominations received for the STAR Awards was truly inspiring sector. was a fantastic reflection of the strength and diversity of Ireland’s adult community education
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Nominated Projects
Given the high qu ality of the nomin ations received, members in AONT and the stiff com AS breathed a co petition within ea lle ctive sigh of relie to an independen ch category, staf f when they were t panel of judges f . able to pass the no Th is judging panel w Community Educ minations over as chaired by Bríd ation at NUI May no Co ot nnolly, Lecturer h, and also includ journal; Ann Devl in Adult and ed Liam Bane, fo in, representative rmer editor of th of FETAC; Dr. Ge at Dublin City Un e Adult Learner rry McNamara, He iversity; and Mic ad of the Educatio k Power, mature n Studies School student and adult education tutor.
Connaught
Four adult learning projects were nom inated for STAR Aw With A Differenc ards in the Connau e’ is based in the ght category. ‘Adu Further Educatio of seven men with n Centre in Swinfo lt Education specific learning rd, Co. Mayo, and needs, who have this, the men wer deals with a grou attended the cent e in a training ce p re since Septembe ntre for people w given them the ch r 2005. Prior to ith special needs ance to experienc only, but this wor e, and benefit from thwhile project ha , mainstream serv s SAGE (Sligo Ad ices. ult Guidance in Ed ucation) was al affiliated to Co. Sl so nominated fo igo VEC and prov r a STAR Award. ides educational gu to education or ar This project is idance to adult le e studying at pres ar ners who are cons en t. In Galway, Tu was nominated fo idering returning am Community r an award. Th Development Re is centre provides mainstream cour source Centre adult education co ses run by other ur ed ses that are com uc ational providers. VTOS (Vocationa plementary to l Training Opport It works in collabo unities Scheme), ration with the lo Rural Developmen the Department cal VEC and t and Galway Peop of Social and Fa le’s Resource Ce mily Affairs, Galw ntre. ay 7 New aontas scrap.indd 9
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The final project nominated in the Connaught category was the ‘Wizard Toolbox Learning Society Game’ – a collection of flexible pedagogical and education instruments, presented in a tutor manual and student workbook format. The project was developed by Women of the North West – a community group in Mayo – as part of a European Socrates-Grundtvig funded project, involving partners in Denmark, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Poland and Slovenia.
Dublin
The eight projects nominated in the Dublin category all had a strong community focus. The Childcare Training Enterprise Centre at An Cosán in Tallaght was nominated because of the range of innovative aspects the project demonstrates – it links adult education to economic activity and enterprise development in a local context. In Crumlin, the Catalyst Programme provides training, education and holistic support to people in the community, with specific emphasis on aftercare for those in recovery from substance misuse and their family members. In the same area, Crumlin Community Development Project was nominated because of the example it gives as a community-led project, rather than being agency-led. The project helps set up groups and networks to deal with issues in the community and particularly targets isolated individuals and at-risk groups. Also based in Crumlin, the Loreto Centre was nominated for an award because of its commitment to tackling social and educational disadvantage. The centre is a voluntary-based organisation that responds to people’s need for accessible and affordable education in the local area.
“If you are look ing to retu rn to education but haven’t made a decision on which course to choose, then a good resource to tap into is the AONTAS website, www.aontas.com” (Sunday Business Post)
The Clondalkin Women’s Network / CAN project that was nominated for a STAR Award provides training in community development and leadership to women in the local commu nity. The ‘Next Steps’ project – run through Ballyfermot Partnership – is a parent / family involvement measure, which aims to support parents in creating stronger links between learning in school and learnin g at home. The Digital Community Project, which is coordinated by Dublin Institut e of Technology (DIT), aims to give inner-city communities access to technology and exposure to the world of adult learning. It provides high-tech equipment to 19 communities, along with funding and suppor t for training for local residents. Finally, the ‘Moving In’ project, run by the Finglas Cabra Partnership, enables Traveller women in Finglas to access education, training and employment opportunities. The project works with 43 Traveller women and collaborates with the VEC, the local employment centre and Dublin City Council, amongst others.
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Leinster
ed the variety of creative methodologies that can The Leinster category of the STAR Awards demonstrat s’ – a VTOS project from Kilkenny – evolved from be used to attract adult learners. ‘Behind Closed Door pson to the production of a short film dealing with the a workshop with author and playwright Neville Thom written and produced by the adult learners, many of harrowing topic of domestic violence. The film was whom also took on various roles for the big screen. Co. Kildare – was nominated for a STAR Award for Another VTOS group in Leinster – based in Leixlip, project involved learners of different ages, ethnic the project ‘Our Difference Is Our Strength’. This prepare for, and participate in, the local St. Patrick’s backgrounds and educational levels working together to ting Engage Kildare) was nominated for an award Day parade. Also in Kildare, IPEK (Independent Paren ing special services for one-parent families. The for its work in combating disadvantage through provid ipation and social inclusion for the most vulnerable programme acts as a first step towards community partic and marginalised families in Kildare. a STAR Award. The network comprises 17 different Co. Carlow Women’s Network was also nominated for rt the development of women’s groups and provide groups from throughout the county and works to suppo and experience. opportunities for women to meet to share information
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“This is a fantastic opportunity to find out eve ryt hin g you nee d to kno w abo ut returning to education and at a time of year that gives you the time to plan how you are going to make it happen” (Tirconaill Tribune)
Meath Opportunities for Training is a FÁS-funded local training initiative that provides basic skills training for participants at an addiction recovery facility in Navan. The project was nominated because of its commitment to rebuilding the confidence and lives of men who have travelled on a long and difficult journey of recovery from addiction. Back in Kilkenny, the Mobile IT Unit run by BNS Rural Development was nominated for an award due to its work in bringing quality IT training to community venues in rural areas. The unit travels throughout rural Kilkenny and has provided training to over 400 people since it began in 2002.
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y the Munster categor ards was received in Aw m AR fro ST ps for ou gr ns er tio mb of nomina partnership of 70 me The largest number arning Network – a Le g learning through ng lon elo life Lif e ing ar lop Cl work in deve its – 15 in total. of e us ca be ted na – was nomi throughout Co. Clare of IT. n and alternative uses tio ra bo promoter colla ityits work in commun was nominated for t ec es oj pr mm ra l’ og ca pr Lo n ing learn the ‘Lear le used to cover adult In nearby Limerick, tit a ick ell er br um Lim of the ty is Ci arn Local’ administered through based learning. ‘Le its in Limerick city. It is s itie un was nominated for mm co al loc Women’s Network and services in ick er ich Lim wh ct, the oje ty, pr un n’ same co ‘Organising for Actio VEC. Staying in the s. omes, in particular the inc low on from local communitie ing liv n strategies to women work with wome dia d. me ar d an aw an ing nis for ga minated bying, or Limerick’ was also no provided training in lob in n e io nc at ra uc su as Ed ty ity ali un ovides qu in Comm twork, this project pr ‘Quality Assurance Ne el on nn ati rso uc pe Ed t or ity pp un su ick Comm ordinators, tutors and An initiative of Limer mmunity education co co to ing ild bu ycit pa training and ca in Limerick city. ge Limerick Senior Colle llaboration between co a ng is ’ ini ild tra h Ch ac ial tre ec ides ou of the Sp e, whereby LSC prov St. Munchin’s ‘Care ntr ct Ce oje ce pr ur so n’ ar Re Le ly ‘Surf to hin’s Fami (LSC) and St. Munc ally for Limerick, the fin a d lop An ve e. de ntr to ce is ers at the the project of aim e Th ill. in childcare to learn uth ult So nts, grandparents, ad programme, based in people and their pare is a family learning g un yo e er wh nt me environ collaborative learning rn about IT. come together to lea n ca s ion friends or relat
Munster
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In Cork, three projects affiliated to Cork Adult Education Council were nominated for awards: the annual adult education exhibition organised by the Council every year since 1974; the ‘Lunchtime Lecture Series’ – free lectures and recitals held throughout Cork city; and the ‘Third Age Network’ – a network for retired people, which has introduced over 1000 adult learners to courses ranging from woodwork to local studies to personal development. Co. Kerry was also active in nominating projects for STAR Awards. The Drama Workshop project, run by Kerry Education Service, was nominated for its work with adult learners using drama workshops and storytelling sessions. This project led to the production of a DVD, ‘Every Life is in Search of a Story’, and a drama, ‘Standing at the Crossroads’ about learners’ knowledge and understanding of the political process. Kerry Adult Guidance Service was nominated for an award because of its commitment to meeting the guidance counselling needs of adult learners and its collaborative work with various adult education groups throughout the county, including VTOS, Senior Traveller Education Centres, jobs clubs, local employment services and citizens’ information centres. The Kerry Deaf Adult Learning Programme also demonstrated high levels of collaboration. This project was the first of its kind in Ireland – it was deaf-led from start to finish and only had deaf participants. It used Irish Sign Language as its teaching medium and employed deaf tutors and various interactive teaching methods to respond to the particular needs of the course participants.
“It certainly is a festival with a difference but then there’s not many festivals that can change the course of your life, increase your earning potential and uncover a fulfilling career. But the first ever Adult Learners Festival, organized by The National Association of Adult Education, AONTAS, has the potential to do just that.” (Longford Leader) 13
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Finally in Kerry, the ‘Shadow The atre’ project was nominated for its work in using drama to assist the integration of new communities in Killarney and help participants develop their English language skills. The technique of shadow theatre was originally developed in Spain and transferred to Sou th Kerry during a Grundtvig lear ning partnership in 2005. In Tipperary, two adult learning projects were nominated for STAR Awards. KITE (Knockanrawley Information and Training for Employment ) is a FÁS-funded local training initiative, hosted and deli vered by Knockanrawley Resour ce Centre. The project is aimed at people hoping to retu rn to the workforce after a per iod of unemployment or caring duties. South Tipperary VEC’s REACH project was also nominated for an award. REACH – Reaching Empowerment through Art and Creative Hands – focuse s on engaging learners who are marginalised due to special needs and / or age. Participants in the project attend, or are residents in, day -care centres and hospitals in Cas hel, Tipperary town and Clonmel.
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Ulster
The ‘Learning for Independent Livi ng’ project is based in a hostel in Belf ast that supports alcoholics and substance addicts at vari ous stages of the recovery process. The facilities allow for training in a safe environm ent, whilst affording access to education and training for a highly marginalised group. Thro ugh the support of tutors, staff and peer s, some of the project participants even visit local scho ols to give talks on alcohol to children to allow them make an informed choice. In Donegal, the Second Chance Educati on Project for Women received two nominations for STAR Awards. The project promotes and develops accessible, quality, wom en-l ed community education and uses the neighbourhoo d approach to engage women who are marginalised or isolated. Also in Donegal, Serenity House Lear ning Centre was nominated for an awa rd. Serenity House has provided a learning centre for Moville and the surrounding area since 1996 and, from small beginnings, has developed over the past 10 years to respond to the needs of the local community. The centre now prov ides a wide range of courses, covering everything from beginners’ computers to foundation cour ses for third level entry and teaching qualifications. Finally in Ulster, the ‘Video Conferencin g / Application Sharing and Networ king Project’ uses innovative technologies to bring learning to the inmates of HMP Magilliga n – a prison based in Limavady, Co. Derry. Through a partnership with the North East Institute Ballymena, learners in the prison use video conf erencing to gain qualifications in com puter skills and various vocational courses.
“Your work may not change the system, but it is tilting the balance a little bit more in the direction of those who have been disadvantaged and left out” (Father Peter McVerry)
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All-Ireland
The six projects nominated for STAR Awards under the All-Ireland category truly demonstrated the diverse range of topics covered by the adult education sector in Ireland. The adult learning centre at An Grianán was nominated for its work in providing computer courses to adult learners. The centre was established in 1954 and has its roots in the Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA). An Grianán was home to the first ever residential adult education college in Ireland, with summer schools for women held in the centre for the first time back in 1929. At the opposite side of the country, An tIonad Glas in Dromcollogher, Co. Limerick was nominated for its work in training and educating adults to produce, market, prepare and celebrate organic food. The Organic College runs various educational courses and uses land provided by the local community as a public organic garden, open for tours and courses during the growing season. Learners at the college also run a market stall, which is open to the public every Friday. On a related environmental theme, CELT – the Centre for Environmental Living and Training – was nominated for a STAR Award for its work in providing education and training in ecology and traditional skills for people of all ages and backgrounds. The organisation works with a number of groups at local and national level to spread its ethos of sustainability using local renewable resources.
Based in Trinity College Dublin, the National Institute for Intellectual Disability is committed to promoting the full inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in society through education, research and advocacy. A major achievement for the Institute has been the development of the Certificate in Contemporary Living – the first full-time course for people with intellectual disabilities within an Irish university – and this Certificate was also nominated for a STAR Award. Also in Trinity, the Trinity Access Programme (TAP) for mature students was nominated for an award by a former participant on the programme. TAP provides a one-year, full-time bridging course for adults wishing to engage in third level education. At the heart of the programme is the acknowledgement that those who have experienced social and economic disadvantage are under-represented at third level. Finally in the All-Ireland category, the Men’s Development Network was nominated for an award for its work in engaging men in adult learning. The Network maintains links with men’s groups throughout Ireland and runs a three-day summer school on an annual basis, where men are given the opportunity to network and develop a sense of interconnectedness. The Network has been working with and educating men for the past 10 years.
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The Ceremony The judging panel was very impressed with the exceptional quality of all nominated projects and was faced with the unenviable task of choosing just six projects as overall STAR Award winners. All of the nominated projects were presented with certificates in recognition of their achievements and a number of projects received special recognition by the judges and were awarded certificates as ‘commended’ and ‘highly commended’ projects. (A full list of the nominated projects is appended to this report. See page X). The STAR Awards Ceremony took place in the Royal College of Physicians, Kildare Street, Dublin on the opening day of the Adult Learner’s Festival, Monday 22 January 2007. It was officially opened by Seán Haughey TD, Minister for Adult Education, and featured a keynote address by Dr. Hugh Brady, President of University College Dublin. Andrina Wafer, Development Officer with FETAC, also provided some insight into FETAC’s involvement in the STAR Awards. The following projects were identified by the judges in the ‘highly commended’ category: Connaught SAGE (Sligo Adult Guidance in Education) Sligo VEC, Quay Street, Sligo Dublin Clondalkin Women’s Network and CAN: Community Development and Leadership Course – c/o Clondalkin Women’s Network, Quarryvale Community and Leisure Centre, Greenfort Gardens, Quarryvale, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 The Loreto Centre, Crumlin Road, Dublin 12. Leinster IPEK (Independent Parenting Engage Kildare) Northwest Kildare Community Development Company Ltd, Allenwood Enterprise Centre, Allenwood, Naas, Co. Kildare Munster Kerry Adult Guidance Service, Kerry Education Service, Riverside House, Dan Spring Road, Tralee, Co. Kerry Kerry Deaf Adult Learning Programme, Kerry Deaf Resource Centre, 4 Gas Terrace, Tralee, Co. Kerry
“Your efforts to en gage people in further adult educ ation not only brings enormous be nefits to some individuals in terms of personal development, incremen tal knowledge and self-confidence, but it is trying to undo some of the injustice that is deeply rooted in our society and our educational system” (Father Peter McVer ry
)
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anrawley Resource
yment) Knock KITE (Knockanrawley Information and Training for Emplo Centre, Tipperary Town, Co. Tipperary
nt Partnership, The Old Barracks, The Shadow Theatre Project, South Kerry Developme Caherciveen, Co. Kerry il, c/o Eva O’Connell, The Elms, The Third Age Network, Cork Adult Education Counc Underwood, Rochestown, Cork Ulster Terrace, Moville, Co. Donegal Serenity House Learning Centre Ltd, 2 Montgomery All-Ireland her, Co. Limerick An t-Ionad Glas – The Organic College, Drumcollog c/o East Clare Community Co-op, CELT – Centre for Environmental Living and Training, Scariff, Co. Clare nts, Goldsmith Hall, Trinity College, TAP (Trinity Access Programme) for Mature Stude Dublin 2
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Six projects were presented with the unique Irish bog oak STAR Awards, in recognition of their remarkable contribution to adult education in Ireland. The first ever STAR Awards winning projects were:
Connaught Tuam Community Development Resource Centre
Tuam Community Development Resource Centre provides adult education courses that are complementary to the mainstream education services available in Tuam. The Centre collaborates with various local agencies on an ongoing basis, including Co. Galway Vocational Education Committee (VEC), Galway Rural Development, Galway People’s Resource Centre, the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the National University of Ireland (NUI), Galway. A significant part of the work of the Centre involves providing supports and advice to the unemployed. The majority of learners accessing the Centre are early school-leavers, unemployed people, in part-time employment or in receipt of social welfare assistance. A childcare service is provided for learners at the Centre and courses are constantly adapted to respond to the needs of the local community.
Dublin An Cosán’s Childcare Training Enterprise
An Cosán has 20 years’ experience of delivering learner-centred education, based on community education principles. A key aspect of the organisation’s work is fostering entrepreneurial spirit in Tallaght West, with a view to supporting women’s economic independence. The Childcare Training Enterprise is doing this through providing the necessary supports to develop small-scale private enterprise in early childhood education and care, both in private homes and in community settings. The Enterprise involves local parents, schools and childcare providers, working in collaboration with South Dublin County Childcare Committee, RAPID, Tallaght Partnership, the Tallaght Unemployed Centre, the Health Services Executive and the Tallaght West Childhood Development Initiative. Through the Enterprise, 212 women are currently participating in accredited Childcare training, ranging from FETAC Level 4-6, and 36 women are participating in Childcare for Enterprise training. A network for women wishing to establish their own childcare facilities has also been developed and participants are being supported to develop smallscale private enterprises.
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Leinster Meath Opportunities fo
r
Training Meath Opportunities for Training is a FĂ S-funde d local training initiativ 2004 to provide basic sk e that was established ills training for the partic in ipants of Tabor House facility, based in Navan. - an addiction recovery Over the past two years , the project has grown from the local community to include participants . The course caters for 14-16 participants over covers such subjects as a four-month period an woodwork, tiling, manu d al handling, computers While emphasis is place and digital photography. d on practical skills, the course is delivered un development and perso der the ethos of selfnal advancement - the me n participating in Meath have often had a long an Opportunities for Training d difficult journey on the ir road to recovery and regain faith in themselv the course helps them to es and to better their liv es. This project began as a three-way partnership between Tabor House Management Committe , FĂ S and the Project e. Co. Meath VEC is now also involved and Training also collaborat Meath Opportunities for es with Youthreach, Me ath Partnership, the loc Resource Centre and loc al GardaĂ, Trim Family al businesses.
Munster Clare Lifelong Learning Network
lopment made up of 70 members, managed by a deve Clare Lifelong Learning Network is a project res in Cent urce Reso ly Fami ity, Brothers of Char partnership that includes Co. Clare VEC, the and non Development, the Department of Social Killaloe and Kilrush, Clare County Council, Shan Family Affairs and Clare Family Learning. to erships at community, area and thematic level The Network was established to use partn orks now established five area-based learning netw develop lifelong learning. The project has ng lifelo of m syste a lop deve to is e. The aim and five networks on the basis of issue / them ns catio muni Com n matio Infor of alternative uses learning through promoter collaboration and Technology (ICT) to support learning.
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Ulster The Video Conferencing/Application Sharing and Networking Project
The Video Conferencing / Application Sharing and Networking Project is a training programme targeted at inmates in Magilligan prison in Limavady, Co. Derry. This unique project is a collaboration between Magilligan Prison and the North East Institute of Further and Higher Education in Ballymena, Co. Antrim. The project was established in 1998, when Magilligan Prison asked the North East Institute to provide vocational training for some of its inmates. The Institute is located over 70 miles from the prison, so a ‘virtual classroom’ was created, using modern technology to link learners at Magilligan with a lecturer at the Institute. Each learner at the prison has a standard computer, an audio headset and a video camera, and they communicate with the lecturer using these tools. Tutors visit the prison on an annual basis and learners receive a self-study manual each September. Peer tutoring is strongly encouraged, with learners who have already successfully completed a course encouraging and supporting their fellow inmates.
All-Ireland The Certificate in Contemporary Living
The Certificate in Contemporary Living is the first full-time course for people with intellectual disabilities within an Irish University. The Certificate is administered by the National Institute for Intellectual Disability (NIID), based in Trinity College, Dublin. One of its key aims is to ensure that education at third level for people with intellectual disabilities leads to appropriate employment opportunities. The Certificate has generated a lot of interest in other adult education settings throughout Ireland, and links have been made with various universities, colleges, Institutes of Technology and VECs. Partnerships have also been developed with various service providers across Dublin, Bray and Kildare, including St. John of God, Michael’s House, Stewart’s Hospital, Moore Abbey, Sun Beam House Services and Festina Lente. The modules included in the Certificate enable participants to become independent, self-reliant adults, with the potential to contribute fully to society. A major emphasis is placed on career development and work placement, which leads to permanent part-time or full-time work. Participants are also encouraged to engage fully in the social experience of college life. Trinity students undertaking undergraduate degrees in Social Work, Clinical Speech and Language, Nursing and Midwifery learn cooperatively with participants on the Certificate in Contemporary Living, in modules associated with their disciplines. Certificate participants also give seminars to Trinity students on what life is like for them as a learner with intellectual disabilities. This interaction between degree students and the course participants is seen as formative in developing an awareness of what it means to be disabled.
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STAR Award
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“Winners”
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STAR Award
“
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“Highly Commended” 25
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Section 2
The Festival Nationwide
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Pro mo tin g the Fes tiva l Nationwide
Festival nationwide, but tion of the Adult Learners’ mo pro l and ion nat rdi coo rall y in promoting the festiva AONTAS undertook the ove anisations across the countr org l and sfu ces ups suc gro of and d ber st celebrate was assisted by a wide num port of one of Ireland’s mo sup the the e of eiv file rec pro to the ted ing igh rais locally. We were also del nts and assisted AONTAS in recorded radio advertiseme o n personal experience in wh ow rtt, his Sho into Pat t , igh ans ins edi le com uab val ed vid pro Pat r, r adult learne h adult learning. festival nationally. As a forme ht the benefits associated wit hlig hig to ped hel and ion returning to educat
e Activities Countrywid of ot sh ap Sn A l: va t the duration of sti hou Fe ’ ntry throug Adult Learners ious groups around the cou tival were organised by var that helped to make the fes A wide variety of activities line just some of the events out we es, pag few t nex the Festival. Over the such a huge success.
Connaught
ion Centre, the Galway Galway nty in the Ballygar Educat cou the und aro ce pla k ngs too on financial support A number of coffee morni information, advice and tips h wit , tre Cen c Mu Ros and the People’s Resource Centre rs. rne lea ted res available to inte the festival from Ros Muc highlighted e) em Sch s itie tun por Op g s cational Trainin number of Literacy Awarenes Participants in the VTOS (Vo na Gaeltachta. In addition, a dió Rai ty on uni ,’ mm Lae Co y an í add rsa nam ‘Cu Gle on a morning chat show, were held in centres such as and family learning mornings ns sio ses tion rma info , nts eve VTOS Centre. School and the Airglooney y and Minister Éamon e for North and East Galwa vic Ser ion cat Edu ult Ad its nched and Services in East and County Galway VEC also lau cation 2007 – Programmes Edu ult “Ad d itle ent t kle a boo Ó Cuív was present to launch y”. North Galwa and also helped to raise the Mayo ng Services for East Mayo rni ly Lea ult Ad its ed nch lau g learners in the VEC’s new County Mayo VEC officially open day for new and existin tion rma info an g din hol by profile of adult education an Friary, Ballyhaunis. tre, at the former Augustini Cen ng rni Lea ult Ad ed uir acq ortunities in Moygownagh on education and training opp n sio ard ses tion rma info an d hel ts nominated for a STAR Aw Women of the North-West in Difference’, one of the projec t a jec h pro Wit the ion in cat ed Edu olv ult inv ‘Ad ements of those iev ach Community Centre and the rk ma to n atio held a celebr in the Connaught category, Swinford.
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Roscommon County Roscommon VEC marked the Adult Learners’ Festival with an evening of gospel music, poetry recitals, traditional music and a showcase of art and design. The evening also involved an exhibition featuring organisations such as FÁS, Teagasc, the Community Development Forum, the Brothers of Charity, Roscomm on Partnership, the National Learners’ Network, Roscommon Childcare Committee and the READ Traveller Training Centre. Sligo The first Sligo Adult Learners’ Festival involved a week of events such as awards ceremoni es, open days, coffee mornings, taster classes, political events and lectures including an Adult Learning Fair organised by SAGE (Sligo Adult Guidance in Education – County Sligo VEC) and an open night at Sligo IT with a wide variety of organisations involved such as Sligo VEC, Sligo IT, St. Angela’s College, Lifestart, Fermanagh College, Sligo Family Resource Centre, North Connaught College, Ballinode College, Corran College, Ballymote Mercy College, National Learning Networks, Rossinver Organic Centre and FÁS. Sligo County Library, Sligo VEC Adult Learning and Education Centre and Sligo National Learning Network also came together to arrange storyteller sessions with various groups, with a view to encourag ing learners to start writing their own stories.
Leinster
Carlow County Carlow VEC Adult Educational Guidance Service held an Adult Learning Fair, which provided information on the financial and childcare supports available to adults who return to learning and an exhibition on courses available locally. The students of Co. Carlow Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) also held an Arts and Crafts Exhibition throughout the week of the Festival. Dublin The Tallaght Adult Learners’ Fair, organised in collaboration with Tallaght Institute of Technolo gy (ITT Dublin) County Dublin VEC and the Tallaght Partnership was officially opened by Seán Haughey TD, Minister for Adult Education during the Festival. The Fair provided information, advice and support and also showcased the work of existing students. Francis Street Community Education Centre provided an opportunity for learners and the wider community to access email and internet tuition, and those taking part were encouraged to send emails to local and national representatives about the importance of community education. The email campaign resulted in a constructive meeting with Éamon Ó Cuív TD, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, in Leinster House.
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voice, movement learning workshop, using ve ati cre e tiv ova inn an d sful open evening Project hel rary hosted a very succes Meanwhile, the INVOLVE Lib rch chu ite Wh e. ntr mmunity Ce and fun in Mulhuddart Co for autumn 2007. st in course participation ere int sed resulting in increa nt entitled ‘Justice e in Blackpitts held an eve ntr Ce ent opm vel De n tio sic Conservatory ty Educa and practices. The DIT Mu The Warremount Communi ues iss de tra of s nes ation session on raising aware followed this with an inform – Not Just Us’ aimed at and lts adu for ng rni lea s on music hosted two taster classe ilable at DIT. ava are s rse what music cou dents thinking of at prospective mature stu ed aim g nin eve on ati ile Trinity Access dent inform coming academic year, wh UCD hosted a mature stu the in D UC in e mm gra uate pro mote the benefits of local communities to pro embarking on an undergrad ir the in s ter pos d ute ipants distrib Programme (TAP) partic the programme. s open to learners under ion opt the the course and mer participants seminars facilitated by for and s hop rks wo of ies living’ ser and transformation. recovery, empowerment Soilse held a ‘learning for on d use foc ies ser e Th gramme of events ry facility. VEC (CDVEC) ran a pro in their addiction recove blin Du of y Cit and hip Partners ult Basic Education Finally, the Finglas Cabra ted on Partnership and Ad ipa tic par o wh rs rne lea ents of to celebrate the achievem . 06 20 ing programmes dur
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Kildare Events such as a coffee morning and information session organised by the Mature Students’ Society in Maynooth provided information on the personal and practical aspects of returning to third level education and, together with talks from academic staff and past learners, it gave potential learners an insight into what is involved in returning to third level as a mature student. Network Kildare held enrolment sessions during the festival for two new courses: Active Citizenship and Women Today – the Position of Women in Irish Society. Meanwhile, Co. Kildare VEC provided Training for Trainers as part of the Voter Education Programme and an Intercultural Diversity Training for Tutors course and NUI Maynooth held an Integrating Literacy Day.
“It was a wonderful success, it was really worth doing. It gave us the opportunity to show other tutors and the wider community exactly wh at we do here.” (M ar ia n O ’M ah on ey , co -o rd in at or , A du lt Education Centre, Fe rmoy)
Kilkenny Co. Kilkenny’s VEC’s VTOS group held a presentation ceremony for a short drama production the group worked on during the past year. Co. Kilkenny VEC also held an Adult Education information and enrolment evening, while Coláiste Mhuire held information and enrolment evenings for upcoming classes. Laois The Abbeyleix Further Education Centre and Laois Adult Guidance Service held a coffee and information morning and provided the opportunity for prospective students to avail of the services of guidance counsellors and to chat to past and present students. Longford Throughout the Adult Learners’ Festival, Longford VEC concentrated on highlighting the wide range of services available to adult learners in Longford, including 20 fulltime further education courses offered by five centres throughout the county.
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Louth The Community Development Agency (CDA) officially launched its cross-border training project, with Senator Mary O’Rourke, Michael O’Dowd, Mayor of Drogheda, Newtownabbey DUP Councillor Victor Robinson and Ide Lenihen, CDA Event Organiser in attendance. Meanwhile Newtownabbey and Drogheda Inter-Community Partnership also held a coffee morning in Dundalk VEC and Drogheda Community Forum and Faughan-Coushquin Historical Societies launched “Historical Circles,” a DVD detailing the history of the two walled cities of Drogheda and Derry. The DVD was produced as an educational tool for schools and libraries in the region and was officially launched by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern TD. The National Learning Network in Dundalk hosted a number of information mornings providing information for people out of work due to accident, disability or illness who wish to retrain and return to work, while the Louth Women’s Network held a Certificate Presentation Morning in Teagasc for members who had successfully completed a FETAC Level Art and Design course in spring 2006. St. John and St. Paul SNS Drogheda held a Certificate Presentation Morning to present the current parent’s computer group with FETAC Component Certificates for successfully completing Level 3 Computer Literacy in autumn 2005. The Irish Wheelchair Association in Drogheda held an exhibition of the art and craftwork completed by members who participated in community education classes.
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“It is always a pleasure to participate in an event such as this. While the Government puts in place the structures for the deliv ery of education, the involvement of the whole community is essential to the successful implementation of educational policy and this is parti cularly evident here”
(Minister for Trade and Commerce, Michael Ahern
TD)
Offaly OAK Partnership organised a function to celebrate the achievements of 50 learners receiving FETAC Certificates. The learners participated in the Edenderry and Rathangan First Chance Programmes, the Rathangan Computer and Office Skills Programme and the Edenderry Joblink and Job Initiative Programmes. Meanwhile, Offaly VEC’s Adult and Further Education Service held an exhibition on the broad range of programmes available to adult learners featuring information on Youthreach, the Third Level Access Service, Community Education and the Senior Travellers’ Training Centre. The Offaly Outreach Education Project held an Adult Learners’ Night, featuring a number of guest speakers, including people in the community who had already returned to education, Tullamor e’s National Learning Network hosted a coffee morning and North Offaly Development held a ‘Returnin g to Education as a Mature Student’ event
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“I found it very challenging to return to learning as an adult. But I also found it hugely rewarding and I’d encourage adults throughout Ireland to check out what’s happening in their area during the Adult Learners’ Festival and to attend the various events so they can see what’s on offer. Adult learning can be great craic – everyone should give it a go!”
(Pat Shortt)
g and and the Shannonbank Trainin Westmeath h the Adult Education Centre wit n rning atio lea oci lt ass adu in on C, VE ails h County Westmeat n Day, providing det Ope tion rma Info g min lco held a we Education Centre, Athlone, ividuals and groups alike. ind for nty throughout the cou tutors about a forthcoming by consulting with learners and l tiva fes vices the d hte hlig hig es rners in the Killucan Area Ser Killucan Area Servic dia of the achievements of lea me al loc ng rmi info and nt celebratory eve mme. Community Education Progra
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Wicklow Wicklow Working Toge ther and County Wicklow VEC organised an exec employers to brief the utive business breakfas m on the benefits of FE t for TA C and NQAI qualification ‘Unlock Your Potential’, s and this was followed an exhibition inviting ne by w and existing members the range of adult educ of the community to sam ation courses on offer ple in the region. The Parents’ Education Programme of Ballywa ltrim’s School Complet innovative fun and chall ion Programme hoste enging ‘Mind Gym’ Works d an ho p, which used games, ch and discussions to explo allenges, quizzes, puzzl re how the mind works es .
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Wexford Access 2000 held a coffee morning, with over 70 people in attendance, and reported a huge level of interest in the variety of learner-centred courses available in Wexford. County Wexford VEC also opened up their adult learning centres to the public and offered promotional material outlining services available to those interested in pursuing further education. Wexford Town Library held a talk by local author Mary Malone on ‘Women Mystics’ and New Ross Library held a reading group as part of the festival.
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Munster Clare Clare Adult Learner Guidance Service hosted open days in the Clare VEC Adult Education Centre, where an Information Officer was on hand to answer queries. During the week of the festival, adult learners gave a short account of their learning experiences each morning on ‘Morning Focus’, a radio programme broadcast on Clare FM. Radio Corca Baiscinn also featured interviews with a number of West Clare VTOS learners, speaking about their experiences of adult education on Michael O’ Connell’s morning show. Clare Adult Guidance Service also launched a DVD entitled ‘A Journey Through Education’ showing the journeys of three learners who returned to education as mature students. Third Level Provision held an information evening on ‘Exploring Third Level Opportunities in Co. Clare’ in the Adult Education Centre in Kilrush organized by CLLN in association with Shannon Development, Clare County Council and Clare VEC. NUI Galway, GMIT (Galway Mayo Institute of Technology) and Clare Lifelong Learning Network also held an information evening for those interested in pursuing a degree. Cork A number of agencies providing training and education for adult learners came together with the Haven Family Resource Centre to provide information and advice to prospective learners in Beara. Tutors gave taster sessions and learners’ coursework was on display, together with artwork provided by the patients of St. Joseph’s Hospital under the artist in residence scheme. An informal awards night was also held to present certificates to FETAC learners who successfully completed courses in Spanish, Communications, Computer Literacy, Irish and Caring for Children with Special Needs. In addition, the West Cork Community Partnership (WCCP), Citizens’ Information Service, University College Cork (UCC) and the VEC Adult Guidance Service provided an information evening for adult learners; the Fermoy Adult Education Centre held an open day and the Irish Natural Forestry Foundation held an outdoor event entitled “Walking in a Winter Wonderland” as part of the festival. UCC also held a number of lectures and workshops, including a talk by a stress management expert, featured on RTE’s How Long Will You Live on useful techniques in dealing with daily stress. Renowned Cork comedian Billa O’Connell also gave a talk in UCC on ‘The Humour of Cork City’.
The Macroom Adult Learning Centre held an exhibition and information evening, Ballincollig Family Resource Centre held an open morning, Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) held an information evening for mature students, Mallow Return to Education Centre held an open evening and the Sutherland Centre in Skibbereen held an open day.
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Kerry a number of successful brated the Adult Learners’ Festival with IT Tralee Mature Students’ Society cele imedia Workshop and a coffee morning. events including a CAO workshop, a Mult the Kingdom of Lesotho ation) delivered an information session on KADE (Kerry Action for Development Educ omen’s Association between Kerry and Lesotho. Irish Countryw and the ‘Twinning the Kingdoms’ project e in the twinning project. (ICA) learners were encouraged to participat re The Kenmare Adult Education Cent ting exis and new for organised an open week ct, members and the Drama Workshop Proje rmed perfo ice, Serv based in Kerry Education its play ‘Standing at the Crossroads’ for e the Kerry Education Service Committe d inate nom been had members. This project for an award in the Munster category of the STAR Awards. e The North Kerry Educational Programm re Cent ation Educ t and An Tochar Adul in Causeway also held various open workshops, dealing with topics such as healthy eating and pottery. Limerick County Limerick VEC’s Adult Education Guidance Service organised a number of events, including the official opening of the Limerick West Lifelong Learning Network, the launch of publications by BTEI at the Adult Learner Resource Centre, KIFET and the Senior Traveller Training Centre in Rathkeale and a number of learner workshops and activities throughout the county. The University of Limerick (UL) held an Introduction to University Programme, providing members of the public with an opportunity to sample a number of disciplines on offer at degree level. ork (LCEN) launched its 2006 The Limerick Community Education Netw City of Limerick festival event, organised in association with er’s Annual Report as part of an overall learn local voluntary from kers spea ote nteer Fair event with keyn VEC, while PAUL Partnership held a Volu groups Tipperary Tipperary, where e Adult Learners’ Festival took place in entir the of ts even e vativ inno most the One of towns throughout the to collect adult learners from 10 different Tipperary Institute funded a ‘Learning Bus’ on offer there and ses cour the on tute to find out information county and bring them on a visit to the Insti on campus. view the work of adult learners on display erary Adult Guidance t Guidance Service, STAGES (South Tipp Adul South Tipperary VEC launched a new event, providing over on mati infor also held an adult education in Education Service) during the festival and tors. tutors and course co-ordina 250 guests with information and advice from
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A special forum for adult learners also took place in Tipperary town, organise d by Knockanrawley Resource Centre, the Local Family Resource Centre, RAPID and the Equality for Women Measure. It included speakers from the University of Limerick, Tipperary Institute, South Tipperary Vocatio nal Education Committee and the Knockanrawley Resource Centre. Knockanrawley Centre also held an awards ceremony for its adult learners. Waterford Waterford City Council Library Services in conjunction with the Men’s Develop ment Network, presented a talk on “Barriers to Men and Women in Education” in the Ardkeen Library. Waterford’s Women Centre displayed artwork in the Waterford Institute of Technol ogy College Street Campus to show how learning and community activism and collaboration between commun ity and mainstream education is possible.
Ulster
Cavan County Cavan VEC promoted and publicised its various adult education services in local newspapers and radio stations. The VEC also distributed its spring 2007 programme and promoted the Adult Learners’ Festival in Cavan town. Donegal The Second Chance Education Project for Women, which promotes accessib le and affordable women-centred education, marked its tenth anniversary with a celebratory dinner at Castle Grove House during the festival. The occasion provided a great opportunity for former participants, tutors and representatives from other organisations to meet and chat about their experiences. Almost fifty educational organisations took part in a very successful adult educatio n fair organised by County Donegal VEC Adult Education Service where organisa tions exhibited their courses, facilities and services. Monaghan County Monaghan VEC celebrated lifelong learning by holding an Open Day for prospective learners, highlighting the wide range of services available in Monagh an, including an Adult Literacy and Basic Skills programme, which uses innovati ve speech recognition technology to help adults to improve literacy and numerac y skills. Northern Ireland Throughout the Adult Learners’ Festival, AONTAS linked in with EGSA (the Educational Guidance Service for Adults) to ensure the festival had a true all-Irela nd reach. EGSA supported the festival by promoting it throughout the six counties of Northern Ireland and distributing festival materials.
“This is the first time an Adult Learners’ Festival has been held in this country and I wish to commend the AONTAS staff for organizing this very worthwhile event. I am hugely impressed by the scope and scale of the most interesting and varied programme of events.” (Seán Haughey TD, Minister of State, Dept of Education and Science)
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Section 3
Demand Your Right To Learn
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D emand Y our R ight T o L earn AONTAS launched its pre-election campaign for the general election at the closing event of the Adult Learners’ Festival on 26 January 2007. We strongly encouraged all of our members to support our pre-election campaign by lobbying their local politicians and putting adult education firmly on the political agenda. At the closing event of the festival, AONTAS Director, Berni Brady presented a list of demands to government and opposition parties, on behalf of the adult education sector. These demands formed the basis of our campaign in advance of the 2007 General Election and were devised following extensive consultation with our members throughout the country. Professor Tom Collins, Head of Education at NUI Maynooth then delivered a keynote address, emphasising the need for a consensus in Ireland on the commitment to lifelong learning. A panel of speakers made up of Seán Haughey TD, Minister for Adult Education, Olwyn Enright TD, Fine Gael, Jan O’Sullivan TD, Labour, Seán Crowe TD, Sinn Féin and Eileen McDermott from the Green Party’s Education Working Group responded accordingly and accepted comments and questions from the many AONTAS members and associates present. Brian Mooney, Irish Times columnist chaired the event.
“Funding for adult education is a surprise pre-election hot potato with 300,000 adult learners at AONTAS rolling out a sizzling list of demands to the government” (Irish Examiner) 42 New aontas scrap.indd 40
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“Fine Gael, the Labour Party, the Green Party and Sinn Féin all pledged their commitment to reinstatin g the National Adult Learning Council (NALC) if in government after the next election” (Irish Independ ent)
AONTAS made the following demands: 1. The Minister of State for Adult Education should have a cross-departmental focus and budget, incorporating the Department of Education and Science; the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs; the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment; the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform; and the Department of Social and Family Affairs. 2. The government must put in place – as a matter of urgency – an overarching national structure for adult and community education. Coordinating structures at local level should also be put in place and should be led out by the VECs. 3. Investment in adult education should increase by 1% of the overall education budget each year between now and 2013. A capital expenditure budget for adult education should also be put in place, with an initial spend of €12m, allocated through the VECs. The government must also double investment in community education and in adult literacy, and provide at least €45m between now and 2013 to develop and expand the Adult Educational Guidance service. 4. Fees for part-time learners in higher education should be abolished. 5. Paid educational leave should be introduced for workers with Junior Certificate qualifications or less.
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6. A childcare allowance should be integrated into all adult and community education programmes. The existing childcare allowance provided by the government to participants on some adult education courses must be doubled to €127 and reviewed on an annua l basis. 7. The Back To Education Initiative (BTEI) must contin ue to receive increased investment. earning less than €35,000 should not have to pay any course fees to participate in the BTEI.
People
8. The eligibility criteria for the Back To Education Allowa nce (BTEA) must be revised to include lowpaid workers, and BTEA payments should be for a full 12 months, rather than the existing practice of making payments for the academic year only. 9. As recommended in the White Paper on Adult Education seven years ago, the Inter-Agency Working Group on qualifications for adult education workers should be established immediately. An integrated training budget and integrated training supports for adult education workers should also be provided, under the remit of the VECs. 10. A national forum must be established for all parties involv ed in the education and training of adults with special educational needs. AONTAS President John Ryan concluded the session with a plea that each party would pledge to re-instate the National Adult Learning Council (NALC) if in government after the General Election. Fine Gael, the Labour Party, the Green Party and Sinn Féin all immediately pledged their support, while Deputy Haughey said the situation was under review. Berni Brady welcomed the commitment of the opposition parties to re-establishing NALC and said it was crucial for the adult learning sector. The launch of the ‘Demand Your Right to Learn’ campaign generated considerable media coverage and also resulted in the tabling of a number of parliamentary questions in Dáil Éireann highlighting the issue of adult education.
“Professor Tom Collins, Head of Education at NUI Maynooth, called for a commitment to lifelong learning from all those involved in the education system” (Irish Independent) 44 New aontas scrap.indd 42
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“Seán Crowe said the coalition had failed to recognise the scale of educational disadvantage” (Irish Times)
on budget and
l educati cent of the tota er p 2 ly n o at n stands sh Times) r adult educatio fo g in d n fu until 2013” (Iri s r y ea sa y S A ch T ea N t n O “A per ce ld increase by 1 this figure shou 45 New aontas scrap.indd 43
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s to ensure they demanded ner lear lt adu se bili mo ld wou AS NT AO said dy Bra rni “Director Be their right to learn” (Irish Independent)
of the main changes that Aontas, the National Association one is ation educ unity comm and t adul for ture struc nal “The reinstatement of a natio of the next government” (Irish Times) for Adult Education, hopes to see introduced during the term 46 New aontas scrap.indd 44
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Conclusion In planning the Adult Learners’ Festival, AONTAS never anticipated the overwhelmingly positive reaction we would receive across the country. The enthusiastic response from education and training partners to the festival, as well as from member groups around the country and the general public, completely exceeded our expectations and confirmed the fact that there is a huge thirst for adult learning in Ireland and great potential for developing and supporting it. The development of the festival would not have been possible without the muchappreciated support of organisations such as the Department of Education and Science, FETAC and the NQAI. We are also indebted to the IVEA, NALA, Active Retirement Ireland and the National Youth Council of Ireland for their assistance. At a local level, we received huge support from our members and various organisations and groups throughout Ireland and the AONTAS Executive, who also took a lead role in promoting and developing the festival regionally. The festival received a significant amount of media attention in 2007 and we are certain it succeeded in putting the issue of adult education firmly back on the political and public agenda. To build on this momentum, we immediately started to plan the second annual AONTAS Adult Learners’ Festival, which takes place from 4-8 February 2008. Once again, the festival will be coordinated and promoted by AONTAS, with the support and participation of our members and various adult and community education groups throughout the country. The 2008 festival is sure to be even better than the first, with more organisations involved and an even greater array of activities and events open to learners. The promotion of adult learning is a primary objective for AONTAS throughout the duration of our new Strategic Plan and the continued development of the Adult Learners’ Festival is our key priority. The level of support for this festival has given us great hope for the future and we plan to expand our networks, partnerships and resources further as we continue to move forward. In time, we hope the Adult Learners’ Festival will become an annual event that will not only help to keep adult education to the forefront of public and political consciousness but will also assist in securing the reality of lifelong learning for all adults.
Berni Brady Director of AONTAS
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Section 4
Appendix
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Appendix 1: Nominated Projects Connaught STAR Award:
Tuam Community Development Resource Centre, Bishop Street, Tuam, Co. Galway
Highly Commended:
SAGE (Sligo Adult Guidance in Education), Sligo VEC, Quay Street, Sligo
Commended:
‘Adult Education With A Difference’, Further Education Centre, Dublin Road, Swinford, Co. Mayo The Wizard Toolbox Learning Society Game – Women of the North West, Moygownagh Community Centre, Ballina, Co. Mayo
Dublin STAR Award:
An Cosán’s Childcare Training Enterprise, Kiltalown Village Centre, Jobstown, Tallaght, Dublin 24
Highly Commended:
Clondalkin Women’s Network and CAN: Community Development and Leadership Course – c/o Clondalkin Women’s Network, Quarryvale Community and Leisure Centre, Greenfort Gardens, Quarryvale, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 The Loreto Centre, Crumlin Road, Dublin 12
Commended:
The Catalyst Programme, Athrú Education and Training Institute, Unit 5A, Sunshine Industrial Estate, Crumlin, Dublin 12 Crumlin Community Development Project, Unit 1 Goldstone Court, Clogher Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12 The Digital Community Project, Dublin Institute of Technology, 23 Mountjoy Square East, Dublin 1 The ‘Moving In’ Project, Finglas Cabra Partnership, Rosehill House, Finglas Road, Finglas, Dublin 11 ‘Next Steps’, Ballyfermot Partnership, Ballyfermot Civic Centre, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10
Leinster STAR Award:
Meath Opportunities for Training, Tabor and Community Training Initiative Ltd, Steeple Buildings, High Street, Trim, Co. Meath
Highly Commended:
IPEK (Independent Parenting Engage Kildare), North West Kildare Community Development Company Ltd, Allenwood Enterprise Centre, Allenwood, Naas, Co. Kildare
Commended:
‘Behind Closed Doors’, Kilkenny VTOS, Bishop Birch Training Centre, Waterford Road, Kilkenny
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Co. Carlow Women’s Network, c/o Ms. Catherine Delaney, ‘Roscooltin’, Ballinacarrig, Quinagh, Carlow The Mobile IT Unit – BNS Rural Development Ltd, 42 Parliament Street, Kilkenny ‘Our Difference Is Our Strength’ – St. Patrick’s Day Parade project, Leixlip VTOS, Scoil Eoin Phóil, Green Lane, Leixlip, Co. Kildare
Munster STAR Award:
Clare Lifelong Learning Network, Unit 10A, Carmody Street Business Park, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare
Highly Commended:
Kerry Adult Guidance Service, Kerry Education Service, Riverside House, Dan Spring Road, Tralee, Co. Kerry Kerry Deaf Adult Learning Programme, Kerry Deaf Resource Centre, 4 Gas Terrace, Tralee, Co. Kerry KITE (Knockanrawley Information and Training for Employment), Knockanrawley Resource Centre, Tipperary Town, Co. Tipperary The Shadow Theatre Project, South Kerry Development Partnership, The Old Barracks, Caherciveen, Co. Kerry
Commended:
The Third Age Network, Cork Adult Education Council, c/o Eva O’Connell, The Elms, Underwood, Rochestown, Cork Cork Adult Education Council’s Annual Exhibition, Cork Adult Education Council, c/o Eva O’Connell, The Elms, Underwood, Rochestown, Cork The Drama Workshop Project, Kerry Education Service, Adult Literacy and Basic Education, Moyderwell, Tralee, Co. Kerry ‘Learn Local’, City of Limerick VEC Adult Education Service, MTI Building, O’Connell Avenue, Limerick Limerick Women’s Network, 5 Verdant Crescent, Kings Island, Limerick The ‘Lunchtime Lecture Series’, Cork Adult Education Council, c/o Maire Martin, Ros Nuala, Brookfield Lawn, The Lough, Cork ‘Quality Assurance in Community Education in Limerick’, Limerick Community Education Network, c/o Our Lady of Lourdes Action Centre, Greenfields Cross, Rosbrien, Limerick The REACH (Reaching Empowerment through Art and Creative Hands), South Tipperary VEC Adult Education Service, The Mall, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary St. Munchin’s ‘Care of the Special Child’ Project, St. Munchin’s Family Resource Centre, Clonconnane Road, Ballynanty, Limerick The ‘Surf To Learn’ Family Learning Programme, Limerick City Community ICT Steering Group, c/o Seán O’Dwyer, Moyross Community Enterprise Centre, Moyross, Limerick
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Ulster STAR Award:
The Video Conferencing, Application Sharing and Networking Project, c/o Dr. Brian Hill, Head of Innovation and Development, the North East Institute of Further and Higher Education, Ballymena Campus, Trostan Avenue, Ballymena, Co. Antrim
Highly Commended:
Serenity House Learning Centre Ltd, 2 Montgomery Terrace, Moville, Co. Donegal
Commended:
Learning for Independent Living, Springwell House, 377-381 Springfield Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT12 7DG Second Chance Education Project for Women, c/o VEC Offices, Ard O’Donnell, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
All-Ireland STAR Award:
The Certificate in Contemporary Living, National Institute for Intellectual Disability, 4th Floor, Trinity College, 3 College Green, Dublin 2
Highly Commended:
An tIonad Glas – The Organic College, Dromcollogher, Co. Limerick CELT – Centre for Environmental Living and Training, c/o East Clare Community Co-op, Scariff, Co. Clare TAP (Trinity Access Programme) for Mature Students, Goldsmith Hall, Trinity College, Dublin 2
Commended:
‘Adult Learning at An Grianán’, An Grianán, Termonfeckin, Co. Louth The Men’s Development Network, 30 O’Connell Street, Waterford
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A
www.aontas.com
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