Adult learning programmes in Laois shortlisted for national awards
Three programmes running in Laois have been shortlisted in this years AONTAS STAR Awards
AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation has announced that three of its programmes running in Laois have been shortlisted for national awards.
The nominees for the 19th annual AONTAS Showcasing Teamwork, Awarding Recognition (STAR) Awards, showcase 24 outstanding adult education initiatives across Ireland.
The awards honor excellence in adult learning, recognising initiatives that make a significant impact in categories such as Health & Wellbeing, Learner Voice, and Social Inclusion.
The first programme in Laois to be shortlisted is the ‘Transformative Journeys for Traveler Women.’
The programme is run by the Laois/Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB).
It aims to empower individuals who have experienced cumulative trauma and is shortlisted in the Social Inclusion category.
A civic education initiative, ‘Dignity Partnership that promotes inclusion and integration for international protection applicants, refugees, and vulnerable migrants in Irish society, is nominated in the Global Citizenship Education category.
The third programme to be shortlisted, and again run by the LOETB is 'Beyond Barriers'.
This project aims to amplify the voices of adult learners in their literacy service and is in the running for a Learner Voice award.
The STAR Awards empowers local communities through adult learning.
Presented by AONTAS the awards highlight exceptional achievements in fostering education and inclusion.
CEO of AONTAS Dearbháil Lawless said: “Our STAR Awards shortlist is a wonderful example of the vibrant programmes on offer in adult and community education across the island of Ireland. Showcasing best practices and the passion, love, courage, and dedication that is reflective of adult learning”.
The STAR Awards winners will be unveiled at Croke Park on Friday 7 March. The highly anticipated event marks the grand finale of the Adult Learners Festival, a week-long celebration of adult learning organised by AONTAS.
This year’s festival theme, ‘Connecting Communities,’ highlights the power of learning to bring people together.
The Awards are sponsored by the Open University in Ireland and the Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCN NI), SAOLTA, European Social Fund, Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), SOLAS and Mental Health Ireland.
