“In Youthreach, they pushed you to your potential and they were there for you.” Jade Kearney reflects on the support, encouragement, and opportunities that shaped her learning journey through Youthreach, Community Education, and HACE. Read her story: www.aontas.com/learner-stor...

Stories matter. So do the voices behind them. Join us tomorrow for #VOICES webinar: Contemporary Witnesses | On Oral History, Counter Archives and Adult Learning. 📅 25 June 🔗 Register: tinyurl.com/AONTASVOICES...

Off to Malahide tomorrow! 🌍 We are looking forward to attending IDEA’s Annual Conference, Education for Liberation: GCE in an Age of Crisis. Our EU Projects Coordinator, Larisa, will be joining a day of learning, dialogue, and connection.

What a day! ✨ Thank you to everyone who joined us for AONTAS AGM 2026! From celebrating achievements to sharing ideas for the future, it was a day full of energy, connection, and commitment to adult learning. Here's a look back at some highlights from the day. 🎉 #AGM2026 #AdultLearning

There’s plenty waiting for you in the AONTAS Members Hub. ✨ Funding updates, events, resources, and opportunities to connect with others across the adult and community education sector, all in one place. Explore today at membership.aontas.com #AONTASMembersHub #CommunityEducation

Meet the speakers joining the upcoming #VOICES Project webinar Featuring Maja Maksimović, Eirini Skoura, and Dr Sinéad McCoole on oral histories, memory, and inclusive learning. 📅 25 June ⏰ 9:00–10:30 IST 🔗 tinyurl.com/AONTASVOICES...

There’s a world of learning waiting in your own community! 📚 The Community Education Map can help you find providers in your area that offer accessible and supportive learning opportunities. 🗺️ Head over to map.aontas.com to find opportunities in your area.

🎙️ LaL Ambassador Robert Cullen joins The Síle Show to discuss lived experience, inclusion, criminal justice, and the role of education in shaping perspectives. 🎧 www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gf3... Inspired by Robert's journey? Applications for LaL 2026 are now open. #LearnersAsLeaders #NEAAL

Join the VOICES Project webinar, Contemporary Witnesses | On Oral History, Counter Archives and Adult Learning. 📅 25 June 2026 💻 Online 🔗Learn more and register: www.aontas.com/events/voice... #VOICES #ErasmusPlus

🎓 Lorraine was delighted to attend the HACE Graduation Ceremony at King’s Inns last night, celebrating over 250 learners and their achievements. Congratulations to all graduates and thank you to HACE for a wonderful evening of celebration and inspiration #CommunityEducation

🤔 Thinking about Learners as Leaders 2026? Whether you're a learner or a CEN member considering a nomination, our FAQs have the answers you need. 🔗 tinyurl.com/LAL2026FAQ #LearnersAsLeaders #NEAAL

Looking back at our North–South Community Education Meeting, we're revisiting Conor's presentation on AONTAS's long history of cross-border collaboration and the opportunities for stronger all-island partnership ahead. 🎥 Watch Conor's presentation here: youtu.be/SyPZ4Vx2oUI

Join the RISE Resilient Communities Online Workshop on 17 June to explore resources, best practices, and community-led approaches to disaster preparedness and recovery. 🔗 Register: forms.gle/3azb1KRFTEQH... 📖 More info: www.wheel.ie/notices/invi...

Lorraine, our Community Education Officer, was delighted to attend the launch of the Women’s Community Projects (Mullingar) Association CLG Strategic Plan 2026–2030. Great to hear about their vision for strengthening supports for women, families, and communities. 📖 #CommunityEducation

📣 Applications for Learners as Leaders 2026 are now open! This initiative supports adult learners to build leadership and advocacy skills while designing and delivering a community-based project. 🔗 Learn more www.aontas.com/learners-as-... #LearnersAsLeaders #NEAAL

Join the VOICES Project webinar, "Contemporary Witnesses | On Oral History, Counter Archives and Adult Learning". 📅 25 June 2026 ⏰ 9:00–10:30am IST (10:00–11:30 CET) 🔗 tinyurl.com/VOICESWebinar #VOICES

🎟️ Tickets are now available for the AONTAS Adult Education Summit 2026! Join us on 21–22 October as we explore this year's theme: Shaping Europe's Future through Adult Education. Book your place: tinyurl.com/AONTASSummit... #AONTASSummit2026

🎨 Our Community Education officer, Lorraine, attended the launch of Connections Arts Centre's Connecting Artists and Collective Impact Report 2022–2026. Celebrating five years of the Programme, the event highlighted the power of creativity, inclusion, and community. 🔗 tinyurl.com/AONTASCACBlog

🎥 CEO Snapshot: May Highlights A quick dispatch from AGM season! Dearbhail reflects on a busy May, from our North-South webinar and the NI Assembly Economy Committee to presentations at the ESAI Conference. Plus, some thoughts from this year's AGM and Board elections. Watch below 👇

Learner voice was at the centre of two AONTAS research presentations at #ESAI2026. Drawing on findings from the National FET Learner Forum, Thomas Murray and Philip Finn explored learner empowerment, democratic participation, and the experiences of learners with disabilities in FET. #LearnerVoice

Community education has a vital role to play in widening participation in higher education. Read Senior Research Officer Eve Cobain’s latest blog reflecting on AONTAS' contribution to the Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for the Economy inquiry: www.aontas.com/community-ed...

When communities face isolation, adult learning creates connection. Last week at our AGM, we launched 2025 Annual Report, reflecting on a year of strengthening communities, amplifying learner voices, and advocating for adult and community education. 📖 Read the report: tinyurl.com/AONTASAnnRep...

Conor Thompson and Eve Cobain appeared before the Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for the Economy this week, highlighting the contribution of community education to widening participation in higher education. 🎥 Watch the session: niassembly.tv/committee-fo...

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 56th AONTAS AGM yesterday. It was a day of reflection, discussion, and looking ahead as members helped shape the future direction of AONTAS and adult learning. #AGM2026 #AdultLearning

Conor and Eve appeared before the Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for the Economy this week, highlighting the role of community education in supporting adult learners to access and engage in education. 📄 Read our submission: tinyurl.com/WideningPart...

A warm welcome to the newest members of the AONTAS Board, elected by members at #AGM2026. Learner Representatives: • Chidiogo Blessing Ebeledike • Paula O’Shea Organisational Representatives: • Dr. Joe Collins • Stephanie Kirwan We look forward to working together and sharing experiences!

Members took part in a consultation session that will help inform the next AONTAS Strategic Plan. Special thanks to our Vice-Chair Dr. Lilian Nwanze-Akobo for leading the member consultation session! #AGM2026

Our CEO Dearbháil Lawless presented the Annual Report 2025 at #AGM2026. Reflecting on the role of adult and community education in creating spaces for dialogue and responding to social challenges. The report captures a year of supporting adult learners across Ireland. 🔗 tinyurl.com/AONTASAnnual...

AONTAS Chairperson John D'Arcy opened our 56th AGM this morning, welcoming members and reflecting on the importance of coming together to share experiences, celebrate achievements, and shape the work ahead. #AGM2026

Good morning from the 56th AONTAS Annual General Meeting Members, partners, and adult education advocates are gathering this morning at The Dean Docklands for a day of discussion, reflection, and looking ahead to the future of adult learning. #AGM2026

A great day of collaboration and learner engagement, where we facilitated a Learner Voice training session with learner representatives from DDLETB.🗫 Through discussion and brainstorming, learners explored the role of learner reps, contributed ideas. #LearnerVoice #NEAAL #DDLETB

Tomorrow is #AGM2026. Learn more about the candidates standing for the Adult Learner positions on the AONTAS Board before voting begins. Read more: www.aontas.com/meet-the-can...

AGM 2026 takes place tomorrow. Ahead of it, learn more about the candidates standing for the Organisational Member General positions on the AONTAS Board before voting begins. Read more: www.aontas.com/knowledge/bl... 📍 The Dean Docklands Hotel 🕙 10am–1pm #AGM2026

📘 The AGM Pack for the 56th AONTAS AGM is now available. Find the agenda, Board nominations, voting information, and key details ahead of next Wednesday’s AGM. 📆 3 June | 🕐 10 AM – 1 PM 📍 The Dean Docklands Hotel Read it here today: www.aontas.com/agm-2026/#ag... #AGM2026

As the #ENHANCE project comes to a close, our final blog reflects on the journey, the partnerships built across Europe, and the importance of learner voice. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the project and shared their experiences along the way. www.aontas.com/when-learner...

Lorraine, our Community Ed Officer, attended the launch of CEN member Connections Arts Centre’s Connecting Artists and Collective Impact Report this week 🎨 A great celebration of creativity, inclusion, and community. Keep an eye on our socials for Lorraine’s upcoming blog. #CommunityEducation

The AONTAS Annual General Meeting is just one week away and there’s still time to register. 📆 3rd June 🕐 10 AM – 1 PM 📍 The Dean Docklands Hotel(formerly The Mayson) Register now! ➡️ www.aontas.com/agm-2026/ #AGM2026

As #ENHANCE comes to a close, we’re proud of the collaboration, learning, and conversations that kept learner voice at the centre. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the project along the way. Our final AONTAS project blog will be shared tomorrow. Learn more: enhancelearnervoice.com/

Exciting news for us and our CEN members! We are delighted to receive new Erasmus+ KA1 mobility funding from Léargas. This funding will support meaningful learning and exchange opportunities for our members. We look forward to another exciting chapter of collaboration and shared learning.

A new FET Strategy must put learners, equality, and community education at its centre. We welcome the direction of the new strategy while highlighting the importance of sustainable funding, learner supports, and recognition for community education across Ireland. 🔗 www.aontas.com/a-new-strate...

🚨 #AGM2026 is just around the corner Join the conversation on Towards 2030 – Shaping Our Future and help shape our priorities for the years ahead. 📆 3rd June 🕐 10 AM – 1 PM 📍 The Dean Docklands Connect with colleagues from across the adult and community education sector. www.aontas.com/agm-2026/

Last week, we brought together 60 participants from across the island for our North–South Community Education Meeting. The session created space to connect, share learning and explore future collaboration opportunities across community education. 📘 Read more here 🔗 tinyurl.com/CESTResearch

Lorraine attended the INOU Annual Delegate Conference 2026 in Dublin. Important conversations on unemployment, inclusion, and the changing world of work, with valuable opportunities for collaboration and dialogue throughout the day. Annual Report 2025: www.inou.ie/assets/files... #CommunityEducat

Our Community Education officer Lorraine, recently attended the 14th Gathering of Cork Community Education Providers. An inspiring day of connection, collaboration, and shared commitment to accessible, inclusive community learning across Cork. 🔗 www.aontas.com/celebrating-... #CommunityEducation

"For me, it's events like this where you get to come together," A reflection from former AONTAS Board Member Kayla Dibble that still captures the spirit of #AGM2026. Join us on 3 June at The Dean Docklands Hotel, Dublin More info: www.aontas.com/agm-2026/

📢 Join us online this Friday, 22 May at 2pm for a discussion on Recognition of Prior Learning and migrant learners. Hear insights from Ada Sophia Hahn, Andrina Wafer and learner experiences from Ewa Seinko of Longford Women’s Link. 🔗 events.teams.microsoft.com/event/5cbe42... #LearnerVoice #RPL

Great to take part in the final online ENHANCE Project event last Tuesday, with partners from across Europe reflecting on learner voice and participation in adult education. Thanks to all ENHANCE partners for the collaboration throughout the project. #ENHANCE

Lorraine recently visited Community Education Network Member (CEN), ATEC in Waterford and saw firsthand the impact of community education in creating connection, inclusion and opportunity for learners and communities alike. Read her reflections 👇 www.aontas.com/empowering-c... #CommunityEducation

GATHER 2026 starts today and runs until Thursday, 21 May, marking Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). Hosted by AHEAD in partnership with us, this free online event explores assistive technology and inclusive learning. 🗓️ 19–21 May Register: www.ahead.ie/GATHER-2026 #GAAD #GATHER

This Wednesday join us for an online conversation on North–South collaboration in community education. 📅 20 May 🕑 2pm 📍 Online Connect, share perspectives and explore possibilities for collaboration across the island. There’s still time to register 🔗 www.aontas.com/events/north...