Clare Projects make the shortlist for prestigious Adult Education Awards
Issued : Monday 8 February, 2010
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Clare Projects make the shortlist for prestigious Adult Education Awards
Two adult learning organisations based in Clare have been shortlisted for AONTAS STAR awards, which highlight outstanding examples of adult education each year.
The Ennis CDP Parent Support Programme, and the Scariff Community Garden Project, were both shortlisted in the Munster Local category. A total of three projects are shortlisted in this category.
Speaking on behalf of FETAC, Ann Devlin, one of the sixteen judges adjudicating on the projects nominated, said. 'The standard of nominations was extremely high this year. It is real testament to the quality of these projects that they have been singled out by the judging panel for their achievements.'
Berni Brady, Director of AONTAS explained the importance of the awards. 'The demand for adult education has increased dramatically in line with unemployment. Last year, AONTAS dealt with over 5,000 queries, up significantly from previous years. The initiatives shortlisted are making a real difference to people who want to develop their skills, or who want to contribute to their own communities. It's important to acknowledge and recognise the achievements of those involved in these difficult times.'
The awards will be presented at a special ceremony at No. 6 Kildare Street on February 22nd, with the names of the winners kept strictly under wraps until then. The Awards Ceremony itself marks the official opening of the AONTAS Adult Learners' Festival 2010 - a weeklong series of events around the country all on the theme of adult learning. Go to www.adultlearnersfestival.com to find an event happening in your area.
AONTAS is also operating a text line from February 1st to March 31st, for adults looking to return to education. Text the word INFO with your name and address to 53377 and for the price of a text message you will receive a copy of the AONTAS Information Booklet free of charge.
If your organisation wants to get involved and organise an activity or hold an event, it's not too late. Contact AONTAS and we will send you a copy of our Event in a Bag which is packed with promotional materials. AONTAS has also put together the A-Z of adult learning activities with lots of ideas for simple things that your group can do to mark the occasion.
More information is available at www.adultlearnersfestival.com.
For more information/contact with shortlisted projects, contact
Niamh Farren, Communications Officer 01 406 8220/087 911 0569
Notes to Editor
1. A total of 39 projects from around the country have been shortlisted, in 13 different categories. For a full breakdown by category, visit www.adultlearnersfestival.com or contact AONTAS. AONTAS received a total of 110 nominations this year.
2. The STAR Awards Ceremony takes place on Monday February 22nd at 2.30pm at No. 6 Kildare Street. The names of the winning projects in each category will be announced at the ceremony. This is the fourth year that AONTAS has co-ordinated the awards initiative.
3. The Ennis CDP Traveller Parent Support Programme was established in 2006 as a response to the need, identified by Traveller parents, for more supports with their children's education. The aim of the project is to support Traveller parents with their own, and their children's educational development. This is done by providing parents with the opportunity to identify their needs and providing responses to those needs.
4. The Scariff Community Garden Project aimed to create a community space where those from all walks of life, with an interest in gardening could work collectively and learn the necessary skills to promote community and to develop a community garden. They are a voluntary led community group (11 at best 8 at worst) who over 3 years have developed a community garden at the back of an older woman's house (it's on loan to the group and is based in the centre of the village)
5. The Adult Learners' Festival is a nationwide week long series of events which promote different aspects of adult learning. The Festival is supported by the Department of Education and Science, FETAC, ASTI, the TUI and Bluebrick.ie. Participating organisations include local VECs and adult education centres, community groups, as well as The Library Council, GIY Ireland, and the Small Firms Association.
