Adult Learners go the distance and reach for the STARS
Issued : Monday 2 February, 2009
February 2nd 2009
PRESS RELEASE
Embargoed until 11 am
Adult Learners go the distance and reach for the STARS
The need to upskill the workforce, education for parents, and providing learning opportunities for adults second time around were highlighted at the STAR awards ceremony for adult learning projects which took place today, February 2nd, at Dublin Castle. Two hundred representatives from different adult learning organisations attended the ceremony. Minister for Lifelong Learning Sean Haughey launched the ceremony, which marks the beginning of the third annual AONTAS Adult Learners' Festival.
Speaking at the launch, Minister for Lifelong Learning Sean Haughey remarked 'In today's ever changing and challenging economic environment learners everywhere are embracing and engaging in adult and further education in ever increasing numbers. This is borne out by the numbers of learners we have seen returning to education in recent years. It will enable people to investigate their options and will hopefully encourage those who want or need to improve their educational levels to return to education.'
Mary Kennedy, RTE personality, presented the awards to representatives from fourteen different organisations. A former teacher, Ms Kennedy described herself as 'a strong supporter and advocate of lifelong learning and education. It's not just about learning a new skill, but about the confidence, self esteem and growth that learning brings', she said.
Adult learning organisations receiving awards work with people as diverse as recovering drug addicts, people with intellectual disabilities, older men, and immigrants. One of the projects receiving an award was the Access Music Project, based in Galway. The initiative helps people who are long term unemployed to make careers in music and the performing arts. 'The Access Music Project has changed my life and given me the opportunity to make a living from music,' said one learner who took part in the programme. The project boasts a progression rate of 90% having trained 150 people so far.
'These outstanding projects reflect a number of needs in today's Ireland', said Berni Brady Director of AONTAS. 'They also demonstrate how important it is for government to invest in measures which give adults continuing access to education. Through participating in these initiatives, adults who missed out first time on their education have progressed into employment or further education. As a result, they will make a lasting contribution to Irish society and pass on their enthusiasm for learning to future generations. It is vital that even during the recession that these initiatives continue to be resourced.
She continued 'Over the past number of months AONTAS has seen a huge increase in demand for information on adult learning opportunities and in people's appetite for learning - this is a direct result of the economic circumstances in which many people find themselves.'
For more media queries/interviews contact:
Niamh Farren, Communications Officer, 01 406 8220/ 087 911 0569
NOTES TO EDITOR
1. The AONTAS Adult Learners' Festival runs for the third time from February 2nd to February 6th. The Festival celebrates a number of key themes in adult learning : Tuesday 3rd is 'Learn in your Community', Wednesday 4th is Senior Learners Day, Thursday 5th is 'Learn @ Work Day' and Friday 6th is 'Lobby for Learning' Day. Visit www.adultlearnersfestival.com. for more information about events happening around the country.
2. The STAR Awards is a national initiative which aims to give recognition to adult learners and the organisations which support them. AONTAS received 152 nominations for awards this year, and projects in fourteen different categories were selected by an independent panel of ten judges.
3. The STAR Awards Winners are as follows:
Nationwide Winner
LIFE (Leading into Further Education)
Highly Commended
Creative Exchanges
Dublin City and County Winner
Clondalkin Women's Education Forum
Highly Commended
Returning to Learning Course
Local Dublin Winner
RADE
(Recovery through Art, Drama and Education) - Dublin 8
Highly Commended
SAOL Project (North Inner City Dublin)
Regional Connaught Winner
Access Music Project
Highly Commended
Traveller Men's Project Tuam
Local Connaught Winner
West Sligo Rural Men's Project
Highly Commended
Mohill Computer Programme, Co. Leitrim
Regional Leinster Winner
Integration - We all play a part: Adult Learning Centre, Co. Laois VEC
Highly Commended
The Acorn Project - Co. Offaly
Local Leinster Winner
ENGAGE, Co. Wexford
Highly Commended
Muirhevnamor Local Training Initiative, Dundalk
Regional Munster Winner
The Clare Family Learning Project
Highly Commended
Shanagolden Education Resource Centre, Co. Limerick
Local Munster Winner
Learning to Grow in West and North Clare
Highly Commended
Mothers Making a Difference, Co Waterford
Regional Ulster Winner
E-Quals Project
Highly Commended
Accelerate Programme, Lifford, Co. Donegal
Local Ulster Winner
Steps to the Future, Ballybeen/Dundonald
Highly Commended
Community Horticultural Enterprise
Workplace Learning Winner
Promoting Lifelong Learning through essential skills training within NI (Northern Ireland) Water.
Highly Commended
Learning @ Work, Dublin
Once Off Initiatives Winner
Men's Education Initiative, Downings, Co. Donegal
Highly Commended
It's a Small World: The Developing World, A Resource Guide for Adult Basic Education
Projects in Progress Winner
Co. Limerick Primary Healthcare Programme
Highly Commended
Embrace IT over 55s Project
For further information please contact:
Niamh Farren : nfarren@aontas.com
