http://www.aontas.com/download/pdf/sln_report_28_september_2010

AONTAS SENIOR LEARNER NETWORK

AONTAS Senior Learner Network Monday, 28 September 2009

AONTAS SENIOR LEARNER NETWORK

1. Introduction The third AONTAS Senior Learner Network meeting took place in the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks during Positive Ageing Week. The theme for the meeting was It’s Your NetworkDon’t Stop Now! It aimed to ensure the the Senior Learner Network Manifesto moved forward, given the current economic climate we must look at alternative methods for moving forward on the points locally and nationally with the assistance of AONTAS. In order to see the progress of the Network, Niamh O’Reilly provided an overview of the work of the Network so far. The first meeting of the network identified what the network should focus on, three themes emerged: expertise, learning and information. Regarding expertise, this point looked at using the skills of the members of the network for developing the networking and in the broader community. Older people have a wealth of experience and it was stated that there was a real desire to share this with each other and across the generations. This in itself ended up becoming a manifesto point (point 1). The second theme that emerged was information sharing: about what courses are available, how courses are advertised. This again emerged strongly in the second meeting and became a manifesto point 2. For the third theme ‘learning’ this focussed on the types of courses available to older learners and the need for funding such courses. Again this became Manifesto point 3 and 4. The second meeting of the Network looked at creating a Manifesto in advance of the local and European elections. This identified 5 points: 1. Acknowledge the value and wisdom of senior learners by facilitating the passing on of information 2. Create and distribute information on the learning opportunities for older learners in every community 3. Ensure accessible, locally-based courses for senior learners 4. Specific funding must be allocated to quality adult and community education courses for older learners 5. Retain Minister of State for Older People at all costs (with enhanced responsibilities and influence) Therefore, the third meeting would focus on moving forward on each of these manifesto points using the skills and ideas of the participants, which is in keeping with manifesto point 1 in that we will be using the skills and expertise of the members to share how we create an action plan for the network. Following on from this we also looked at how we can strengthen the network, at the first meeting we asked what people want from the Network, again it was skills, information, networking and lobbying. So today we want to again use your expertise and knowledge to look at these areas. So to recap the progress of the Network was be summarised as follows: created a Manifesto, fed into the Positive ageing strategy regarding lifelong learning for older people. Now we will look at moving forward with the manifesto and create a basis for an action plan for the network. In order to ensure 1

AONTAS SENIOR LEARNER NETWORK the voice of senior learners is heard and that there is a direct channel within the government to influence the importance of retaining a minister for state for older people was seen as essential.

Minister Aine Brady

For the process of the day, Minister Aine Brady officially opened the meeting. She spoke of the importance of adult learning in later life and the role it has to play in contributing to the development of an individual and the benefits of learning with regard to health and social inclusion. She also noted the contribution of the Senior Learner Network manifesto and the AONTAS submission to the positive ageing strategy.

Maureen Kavanagh, CEO of Active Retirement, gave a broad input on the importance of collaboration between organisations involved in the rights of older people, the importance of learning and how she has witnessed the effect of learning through her work across the country. She spoke of the power of learning and

Maureen Kavanagh, Minister Aine Brady, PJ Gallagher and Mary Mason

Niamh Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Reilly provided an overview of the work of the Senior Learner Network to date and how we can progress further in this regard. The first meeting of the Network provided the basis for the direction of the Network by highlighting three themes: expertise, learning and information. These three themes are reflected in the Senior Learner Network manifesto which encapsulates the areas that must be addressed in order to improve the service for older learners. The aim of the day was to progress the manifesto and to ensure that it can achieved through the experience and skills of Senior Learner Network members. Mary Mason from the Older Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Network chaired a session whereby PJ Gallagher, a Senior Learner, shared his 2

AONTAS SENIOR LEARNER NETWORK experience as a learner. Mary shared her views on the benefits of working together and that older people are part of the action now in that a community of people come Participants of the meeting discussed one manifesto point each at each table, from the perspective of what they can do to progress this point and what AONTAS can do to support this work.

Tullamore Active Retirement performed a play of their own creation which highlighted adult education in later life, it was followed by a poem composed by Patricia Dunne. Following lunch, the participants engaged in discussions that sought to identify the skills and experience within the Network in order to build our collective capcacity.

2. Background Information To set the context of the report the background to the learner network is discussed below. This work has been carried out in conjunction with AONTAS staff and the learner network steering group. This plan acts as a basis for the learner networks and will be amended according to the comments and suggestions of participants. The initial aim of the learner network was: To act as a local representative body for learners To be an action driven forum for learners To give learners the opportunity to meet each other in their area To share experiences with each other To facilitate and empower learners to take action on issues that affect them To use the information obtained to feed into the policy work of AONTAS and ensure we are responsive to the needs of learners To feed into the policy work of the member organisation To share information on policy at national level

AONTAS SENIOR LEARNER NETWORK Information obtained will be: Compiled into a report (outcomes of each meeting) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Distributed to learners, their organisation, to AONTAS staff, made available on a specific part of the AONTAS website. Incorporated into specific areas of our policy work, by way of using a discussion forum at the learner network meeting on an issue.

3. Participant Discussions The purpose of the meeting was two-fold: for members of the Senior Learner Network to use their skills and experience to find ways to move forward on the Manifesto and for them to take ownership of the network by way of creating an action plan for the Network.

Session 1 The purpose of the morning session (11.15am) was to use the knowledge and experience of members of the Senior Learner Network in order to look at how we can go forward with the Manifesto. Each table had a facilitator to guide the discussion, and the agreed ideas were placed on charts (an example of which is below).

How AONTAS can support this point (white section) One of the 4 responses from the group (grey section) Manifesto point Manifesto point

Participants discussed one of the manifesto points and offered ideas of what could be done by members of the Network in relation to this point. Ideas were shared and debated with other participants and the agreed main points were written on the chart.This resulted in a chart that represented one manifesto point, surrounded by 4 ideas circles which outlined what the Network can do and how AONTAS can help with this.

AONTAS SENIOR LEARNER NETWORK

Outcome of session 1 discussions Manifesto Point 1: Acknowledge the value and wisdom of senior learners by facilitating the passing on of information In relation to this point, actions under two themes emerged to address this point: information and skills. Information Speakers available for local groups - have a list available

Information Booklet - have a free textline and put in the ebulletin Members of the Senior Learner Network to spread the word – Each member to call 2 other people Skills Members of Senior Learner Network to talk about their interests at meeting Members to do something at a meeting Intergenerational skills transfer – must be supported by schools Intragenerational – support skills transfer

AONTAS SENIOR LEARNER NETWORK Manifesto Point 2: Create and distribute information on the learning opportunities for older learners in every community In relation to this point, actions under three themes emerged to address this point: website, promotion and national strategy for disseminating information. Website Website for all older people, a one stop shop – act as an umbrella information source for older people, Spread the word about this website through all local public places: church, libraries, health centres etc. Promotion Radio – have a 10 minute radio slot on local radio – announcements about learning opportunities locally Local Paper - Members of the Senior Learner Network to write a piece about their experience of learning or information about courses Local Booklet – VECs to have a booklet specifically for older learners (over 55) Have a logo that identifies the course is aimed at older people National Strategy for disseminating information NGOs to convene with education providers in order to discuss how effective dissemination of information on courses for older people can occur. Links with education providers must be made for this also. Manifesto Point 3: Ensure accessible, locally-based courses for senior learners In relation to this point, a number of actions emerged to address this point. Attract and maintain learners – personal development build group capacity. Transport and access to courses is intrinsically linked – particularly in rural areas. This must be considered when courses are being developed – a strategy for meeting this need could include car pooling, buses, volunteers to act as companions for learners getting to class. Security is an issue: security alarms are needed for learners Libraries – AONTAS to contact – more classes should be held through libraries Manifesto Point 4: Specific funding must be allocated to quality adult and community education courses for older learners In relation to this point, a number of actions emerged to address this point. Lobby: hold onto funding we have. Lobby strategy: Information sharing, submissions and promotion of funding for educational opportunities for older people. Education is a right of older people should be the message. Retired teachers could be asked to volunteer to host classes for older people Products created by older learner groups could be sold to support future classes

AONTAS SENIOR LEARNER NETWORK Manifesto Point 5: Retain Minister of State for Older People at all costs (with enhanced responsibilities and influence) Older people/learners to link with AONTAS and other NGOs in turn to lobby Minister of State for Older People Make learners aware of the Minister Open the lines of communication between the Minister and learners

Session 2 The purpose of the afternoon session (2.30 pm) was to look at how we can create an action plan for the Senior Learner Network. The outcomes of the manifesto in the morning session will be the objectives of the action plan. The afternoon looked at how the Network will work effectively. Four different discussion groups were proposed and participants engaged in discsussion groups according to their interests: 1. Skills - Identification and acknowledgement of existing skills and expertise of network participant and development of new skills. 2. Communication: How can we share information amongst the network? How will be communicate to others in the network and create a 2 way street between the network and AONTAS? 3. Network: How can we strengthen and grow the network in terms of strength, unity and solidarity. 4. Lobbying: How can the network continue to lobby for the needs of senior learners?

AONTAS SENIOR LEARNER NETWORK Outcomes from Session 2 In the afternoon session a number of points were raised by the network members in relation to how an action plan for the network could be created by using the skills, experience and knowledge of the network members. Four categories were explored in terms of communication, skills, networking and lobbying. The discussion attempted find the role of both AONTAS and members of the network with regard to each of the areas, however as discussions overlapped a general overview of the discussion outcomes in outlined below which summarises the main areas discussed. 1. Communication The Senior Learner Network identified methods for increasing communication and the sharing of information between older people and with AONTAS. A number of recommendations were outlined for both the Network and AONTAS. Members of the Senior Learner Network: To increase information about learning opportunities by word of mouth, spread information about your involvement in adult learning and what learning opportunities are available through a variety of methods: local parish newsletter, local newspapers, and to suggest a slot in the local radio station dedicated to learning opportunities for older people. Use local networks to promote the Senior Learner Network Manifesto Link in more with local libraries for hosting IT classes. Sell the products created in classes as a method for funding further classes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; sell clothing, cakes etc. Undertake creative fundraising activities to support learning for older people. Start up local Senior Learner Networks or use existing networks for disseminating information about the value of learning in later life. Members of the Network to stay up to date with what is happening in their area and to spread this information around the network

AONTAS To act as a medium for sharing information amongst the Senior Learner Network and with AONTAS. To support local networks to sharing information between members of the network and with AONTAS.

2. Networking within the Senior Learner Network The Senior Learner Network identified methods for increasing networking capacity. A number of recommendations were outlined for both the Network and AONTAS. Members of the Senior Learner Network: Engage in peer learning within the network (learn from each other)

AONTAS SENIOR LEARNER NETWORK 3. Skills A number of individuals offered their skills for the benefit of the network including tutoring, taking phone calls, engaging in the helpline activities, acting as an information point for the network, providing information on guest speakers for the Network and organising table quizzes. Organisational skills – members of the network becoming a point of contact for the Senior Learner Network Interpersonal skills – Promoting an inclusive environment at network meetings Creativity skills – Increase the capacity and confidence of the network to become more creative within meetings of the network. 4. Lobbying In terms of the ability of members of the network to lobby there was a huge interest and range of skills available to support this work. The following were identified by the Network: Share information about how to lobby Members of the network to contact their local councillor and make requests Come together to draft a submission regarding the learning needs of older people Invite politicians to events Utilise the contacts with the Senior Citizen Parliament Encourage other senior learners to question the current service and to identify the issues and needs of older learners Share information about a particular issue and how it was resolved effectively Contact the media bout the issue e.g. Joe Duffy

4. Going forward for the Senior Learner Network A number of specific actions were identified in order to progress the Senior Learner Network manifesto. The following table outlines this, this will be part of the action plan for the Network.

Point 1

Action Have a textline to obtain the AONTAS information booklet.

Point 2

Increase involvement of Senior Learner Network participants. Have a one stop shop website for older people.

Outcome The AONTAS textline is open until the end of march. Just text the word INFO with your name and address to 53377, and for the price of a text message (15c) you will receive a copy of our Information Booklet free of charge. Ensure SLN participants are involved in the meeting structure. AONTAS to convene a meeting with other organisations involved with older people to look at the feasibility of this.

AONTAS SENIOR LEARNER NETWORK Promotion of learning in later life through the radio.

Promotion of learning in later life through the local newspapers Have a logo for courses aimed at senior learners so that they can easily identify an appropriate course National strategy for sharing information about senior learning Point 3 Point 4 Point 5

Lobbying issues: transport and need more classes in local libraries. It must be viewed as a right for older people. Lobbying required - must hold on to funding and share information about what learning opportunities are available to older people. Keep Minister Aine Brady up to date with issues facing older people.

AONTAS to contact the national organisation responsible for community radio (CRAOL) to propose ten minute slots to highlight learning in later life. Members of the Senior Learner Network to write articles for local newspapers Members of the Senior Learner Network to create the logo. AONTAS to promote it to education providers AONTAS to convene a meeting with other organisations involved with older people to look at the feasibility of this. AONTAS to work with other organisations in developing a position paper in relation to learning in later life. As above.

AONTAS to work with other organisations in developing a position paper in relation to learning in later life and present to Minister.

In creating an Action Plan for the Network the following main points were identified for action. Ideas for generating funding for senior learner activities included selling the products produced at classes and undertaking creative fundraising activities. Members of the Networks are to act as ambassadors for senior learning by promoting the network locally and staying up to date with whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening in their area. Also in terms of how the network will function we will incorporate peer learning and the sharing of lobbying into the next meeting. An action plan for Senior Learner Network will be compiled and proposed at the next meeting. For more information or to add your comments please contact Niamh Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Reilly at the AONTAS office.