Limerick Projects make the shortlist for prestigious Adult Education Awards
Issued : Monday 8 February, 2010
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Limerick Projects make the shortlist for prestigious Adult Education Awards
Three adult learning organisations based in Limerick have been shortlisted for AONTAS STAR awards, which highlight outstanding examples of adult education each year.
The Downtown Centre, has been shortlisted in the Munster Local category while the National Learning Network and the Grotto Learning Project were both shortlisted in the Munster Regional categories. Each category includes a total of three shortlisted projects.
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 National Learning Network aims to empower participants with mental ill health to avail of opportunities to enhance their personal development, community integration, vocational orientation and physical and mental well-being. The project is based in Raheen in Limerick
4. The Grotto Learning Project is a result of collaborative inter-agency work as part of the Limerick City Interagency Traveller Initiative. In January 2009, it was suggested by the group that they work on Our Lady's Grotto on-site which was built some 16 years previous and was the worst for wear after years of exposure to the elements. This initiative lead to increased levels of enthusiasm, working as a team and the desire to complete the project was phenomenal.
5. The Downtown Centre is an access, guidance and support centre for adults (aged 18 plus) who are seeking to progress to higher education. The Centre is a collaborative initiative of the Shannon Consortium partners - the University of Limerick, Limerick Institute of Technology, Mary Immaculate College and the Institute of Technology Tralee - and is funded by the Higher Education Authority Strategic Innovation Fund, Cycle One.
6. 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.
