AONTAS
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AONTAS
@aontas.com
The voice of adult learning in Ireland since 1969. Advocating for the right of all adults to quality lifelong learning.

RCN: 20013042
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
November 21, 2025 at 2:23 PM
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
November 20, 2025 at 3:34 PM
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
November 20, 2025 at 3:20 PM
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
November 20, 2025 at 1:06 PM
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
November 20, 2025 at 12:49 PM
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
November 20, 2025 at 12:31 PM
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
November 20, 2025 at 12:22 PM
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
November 20, 2025 at 12:08 PM
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
November 20, 2025 at 11:47 AM
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
November 20, 2025 at 10:19 AM
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
November 19, 2025 at 4:15 PM
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
November 19, 2025 at 4:04 PM
This afternoon’s workshops explored learner voice, transformative education, and building partnerships between learners, community education providers and higher education institutions.
#NEAAL #AdultEducationSummit2025 #AONTASSummit
November 19, 2025 at 3:35 PM
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
November 19, 2025 at 2:20 PM
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
November 19, 2025 at 2:16 PM
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
November 19, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Delighted to have Minister Marian Harkin officially open the AONTAS Adult Education Summit 2025.

#NEAAL #AdultEducationSummit2025 #AONTASSummit
November 19, 2025 at 2:05 PM
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
November 19, 2025 at 2:01 PM
The Forever Young Community Choir filled the room with joy and energy this morning. Their performance had everyone on their feet!
#NEAAL #AdultEducationSummit2025 #AONTASSummit
November 19, 2025 at 1:55 PM
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
November 19, 2025 at 1:35 PM
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
November 18, 2025 at 3:08 PM
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
November 17, 2025 at 1:30 PM
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
November 17, 2025 at 10:01 AM
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
November 14, 2025 at 3:01 PM
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
November 14, 2025 at 1:01 PM