What a brilliant Day 2 at the AONTAS Adult Education Summit. Yesterday brought great energy, honest conversations, and plenty of moments we’ll be talking about for a while. Thanks to everyone who joined us and helped make the Summit such a memorable few days. #NEAAL #AONTASSummit

Our final panel, Strengthening Communities through Community Education, brought together leaders from across the sector They explored how community education drives social change, strengthens cultural identity, challenges racism, supports women’s leadership in communities. #NEAAL #AONTASSummit

Day 2’s workshops dug into equality in apprenticeships, practical anti-racism, and storytelling as a way to connect communities A brilliant mix of insights, lived experience, and learning in action. #NEAAL #AONTASSummit #AdultEducationSummit2025

Today’s Learner Spotlight came from AONTAS Board Member Chidiogo Blessing Ebeledike, who spoke about learning across ages and backgrounds, and how community education gave her confidence, connection, and a voice. #NEAAL #AONTASSummit #AdultEducationSummit2025

Honoured to welcome Professor Peter Mayo from Malta for today’s keynote on “Popular Education”. A powerful reminder that education grows from people, place and struggle, drawing on global grassroots and radical traditions. #NEAAL #AONTASSummit #AdultEducationSummit2025

Well, that was gas-ta!! We launched the 2025 special edition of The Adult Learner with a full-on Gasta session led by Dr Tom Farrelly. This special edition focuses on “Challenging Racism and Creating a More Inclusive Society”. Read it now on our website! #NEAAL #AONTASSummit

Fiona O’Byrne, Assistant Secretary at the DFHERIS, opened Day 2 with an overview of the next FET strategy and her department’s work. We look forward to working together to put learner voice at the heart of policy-making. #NEAAL #AdultEducationSummit2025 #AONTASSummit

The crazy talented Eddie Winston lifted the room this morning with his own songs about his journey through addiction and prison, and how adult education changed his life. His new song Political Animals is out next month! #NEAAL #AdultEducationSummit2025 #AONTASSummit

Our Vice Chairperson, Dr Lilian Nwanze-Akobo, kicked things off today! She grounded us in the importance of building community and the importance of adult learning as a political act. A powerful reminder of why this work matters. #NEAAL #AdultEducationSummit2025 #AONTASSummit

From big smiles to standout moments, yesterday brought plenty of energy at the AONTAS Adult Education Summit. Here are few pictures from Day 1 and ready for round 2! #NEAAL #AdultEducationSummit2025 #AONTASSummit

Our final panel of the day brought together partners from across Europe to share insights on EU trends and challenges. It’s always great to build connections across the continent between learners & practitioners. Thanks for being with us! #NEAAL #AdultEducationSummit2025 #AONTASSummit

Dr Sharon Clancy delivered a powerful keynote on class, community and culture. "Our education system is so often skewed toward a particular elite perceptive. We must resist that. #NEAAL #AdultEducationSummit2025 #AONTASSummit

This afternoon’s workshops explored learner voice, transformative education, and building partnerships between learners, community education providers and higher education institutions. #NEAAL #AdultEducationSummit2025 #AONTASSummit

Adult Learner Cathy Clear shared her story of how returning to education as an adult has changed her life. "I'm not ashamed anymore. I want to make a difference for other people and show them what's possible" #NEAAL #AdultEducationSummit2025 #AONTASSummit

The Learner Voice Panel hosted by our very own Ruby Cooney explored how listening to learners transforms adult education and strengthens communities. Thank you to all who shared their insights and experiences. #NEAAL #AdultEducationSummit2025 #AONTASSummit

We are proud to launch the AONTAS Learner Voices Across Ireland report. This report amplifies the voices of adult learners across Ireland and shines a light on their experiences. Read the report here: shorturl.at/0vJdg #NEAAL #AdultEducationSummit2025 #AONTASSummit

Delighted to have Minister Marian Harkin officially open the AONTAS Adult Education Summit 2025. #NEAAL #AdultEducationSummit2025 #AONTASSummit

Warm welcome from our Chairperson, John D’Arcy, opening Day 1 of the AONTAS Adult Education Summit. A great start to an inspiring two days ahead! #NEAAL #AdultEducationSummit2025 #AONTASSummit

The Forever Young Community Choir filled the room with joy and energy this morning. Their performance had everyone on their feet! #NEAAL #AdultEducationSummit2025 #AONTASSummit

We’re live at the AONTAS Adult Education Summit. Today we gather with learners, educators, and partners from across Ireland and beyond to connect, share, and inspire one another. ✨ #NEAAL #AdultEducationSummit2025 #AONTASSummit

Tomorrow is the day. The AONTAS Adult Education Summit is finally here! Attending the summit? Get prepared! Check out the workshops schedule in our official brochure and have a think about which ones you'll join. See the full details here: shorturl.at/dhkEm #NEAAL #AdultEducationSummit2025

Last week, our EU Projects Coordinator and Projects Officer held a peer-to-peer coaching session for the Learners as Leaders. Participants shared the initiatives they’re developing, and their creativity was inspiring. Looking forward to showcasing their work in December. #NEAAL

We are thrilled that Minister Marian Harkin, Minister of State at DFHERIS will officially open the AONTAS Adult Education Summit 2025. Her presence marks a special start to this important gathering of adult learners, educators, and advocates. #NEAAL #AdultEducationSummit2025

Last week, We wrapped up the final Project Advisory Group meeting for NEEAL 2024-25 and the EPALE Panel. Huge thanks to all members for your time and guidance over the past eight years in shaping adult education in Ireland. #NEAAL

Our Research Officer, Aisling Meyler, represented AONTAS at @nwc.bsky.social All-Island Women’s Forum, sharing how our Community Education Against Disinformation project combats hate & misinformation. Thank you for bringing voices together! #CommunityEducation #Equality #AllIslandForum

Don’t miss Eddie Winston 🎸 at 10:10am on Day 2 of the AONTAS Adult Education Summit 2025! Soulful, heartfelt tunes blending folk and contemporary sounds await. #AdultEducationSummit2025 #NEAAL

Join us at the AONTAS Adult Education Summit 2025 at 11:10am! The Forever Young Community Choir will kick off Day 1 with timeless hits and infectious energy. 🎵 #AdultEducationSummit2025 #NEAAL

At the Oireachtas Committee today, advocating for fair, accessible apprenticeships. Proud to stand with the Irish Traveller Movement and the Rehab Group for equality and social justice. #Apprenticeships #AdultLearning #Equality

Our CEO Dearbháil Lawless and Head of Advocacy & Policy Conor Thompson spoke at the Oireachtas Committee on Further & Higher Education today, sharing evidence from apprentices across Ireland. They called for fair supports, local access & modernised apprenticeships. More here: shorturl.at/rJYRl

Yesterday 82 Laois & Offaly ETB learners gathered in Portlaoise for the National #FETLearnerForum 👏 They shared their experiences, what’s working well and what could be improved, strengthening #LearnerVoice across Further Education and Training.

Tomorrow we’ll appear before the Oireachtas Committee to share apprentice experiences and call for fair, inclusive, and accessible apprenticeships. Tune in live at 9.30am: shorturl.at/IAkhj

This week is #CharityTrusteesWeek, a time to recognise those who give their time and expertise to strengthen the charity sector. We’re proud to celebrate our AONTAS Board and thank them for their ongoing dedication, guidance, and support in championing adult learning across Ireland.

Looking ahead to next week’s AONTAS Adult Education Summit! On Day 2, join us for the keynote address "Popular Education in Historical and Contemporary Practice" with Professor Peter Mayo from the University of Malta. #NEAAL #AdultEducationSummit2025

Join us next week at the AONTAS Adult Education Summit! Kicking off Day 1, don’t miss the keynote "Reclaiming Resistance and Resilience by Dr Sharon Clancy, Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham. #NEAAL #AdultEducationSummit2025

Join the launch of The Adult Learner 2025 special edition on Day 2 of the AONTAS Adult Education Summit.🌍 Dr Tom Farrelly hosts Editor Rosemary Moreland & authors on articles from the journal promoting adult learning for a just society. 📘 🎟️ : shorturl.at/EOLwU #NEAAL

Aisling Meyler shared insights from our Community Education Against Disinformation programme at @saoltaed.bsky.social’s “Making SpaACE for Justice.” 🗣️ Big thanks to Bobby McCormack and Development Perspectives for their support! Learn more ➡️ www.aontas.com/knowledge/bl...

Storytelling and digital storytelling are creative tools for inclusion, cohesion, and empathy in our communities. Join this hands-on workshop with our very own experts to learn more on Day 2 of the AONTAS Adult Education Summit! Waitlist now open: shorturl.at/EOLwU #NEAAL

We’re officially SOLD OUT! If you missed out on tickets for the Summit, our waitlist is now open. Join the list for your chance to attend if more tickets become available. 🎟️: shorturl.at/EOLwU #NEAAL #AdultEducationSummit2025

Every learner’s story matters. At the AONTAS Adult Education Summit, we’ll launch Learner Voices Across Ireland: The National FET Learner Forum Report 2024–2025, sharing insights from adult learners nationwide. 📊 Don’t miss it! Tickets: shorturl.at/EOLwU #NEAAL #AdultEducationSummit2025

Community Education Seminar: Bridging the Gap taking place on Wednesday, 12th November 2025. You can register using the link below. Venue: Mullingar Park Hotel Date: Wednesday, 12th November 2025 Time: 9.00am to 2.00pm Register here: shorturl.at/93f9n

Education Projects Officer Ruby Cooney and Policy and Advocacy Officer Rebecca Jackson attended ETBI’s Universal Design in FET event in Athlone. They led a workshop on using a Universal Design Approach in Learner Voice, while Ulreeka 🐾 from Dunboyne College stole the show!

Join us for the Anti-racism workshop on Day 2 of the AONTAS Adult Education Summit. Learn practical ways to promote inclusion, challenge racism and break barriers with Dignity Partnership. Tickets are still available: shorturl.at/EOLwU #NEAAL #AdultEducationSummit2025

On Day 2 of the AONTAS Adult Education Summit, be part of Equality in Apprenticeships, Learning, and Work ✨ This workshop brings together practitioners to discuss strategies for ensuring equality in apprenticeships, learning opportunities, and the workplace. 🎟️: shorturl.at/EOLwU #NEAAL

✍️ Join our Writers’ Workshop on the 5th of December for the 2026 edition of The Adult Learner. Get tips, ideas, and guidance from our Editorial Board. 📧 Reserve your spot here: shorturl.at/FVeX1. #AdultLearnerJournal2026

Our CEO, Dearbhail Lawless, spoke at Saolta’s Making Space for Justice 🌍 “What’s going to make a change is for each of us to continue doing what we do well and communicate with each other.” She highlighted how adult education and social justice are deeply intertwined.

Discover the power of community learning to transform lives.🌎 Join the Strengthening Communities through Community Education panel and explore how community education fosters stronger, more inclusive communities. 🎟️ Tickets are still available: shorturl.at/EOLwU #NEAAL #AdultEducationSummit2025

Take part in an interactive workshop with Dr. Sarah Sartori on Day 1 of the AONTAS Adult Education Summit. This session explores how transformative education can build social cohesion and drive change. Tickets are still available: shorturl.at/EOLwU #NEAAL #AdultEducationSummit2025

Discover how collaboration across further, adult, and higher education creates stronger learning opportunities for all. Collaborative Partnerships for Pathways into Education takes place on Day 1 of the AONTAS Adult Education Summit. Tickets: shorturl.at/EOLwU #NEAAL

Join us for Adult Education Beyond Borders: Panel with Partners from Across Europe during Summit 2025. Our European partners will share insights into adult education trends from across the continent. Don't miss it! Tickets are still available: shorturl.at/EOLwU #NEAAL #AdultEducationSummit2025

Join “Making Learner Voice Visible in Practice” workshop on Day 1 of the AONTAS Adult Education Summit . We will discuss practical ways to create a culture supportive of Learner Voice. Tickets still available ➡️ shorturl.at/EOLwU #NEAAL #AdultEducationSummit2025