Laois adult education initiatives star at national awards ceremony

ADULT learning initiatives from Laois and others counties across Ireland were celebrated at an awards event in Croke Park recently.

The Showcasing Teamwork, Awarding Recognition awards (STAR) were organised by AONTAS, the national adult learning organisation of Ireland and highlighted the education initiatives that showcase the transformative power of adult education.

The Laois and Offaly winners were Beyond Barriers and Transformative Journeys for Traveler Women which are both run by the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB). They brought home the European Social Fund (ESF) Special Recognition Award and the Open University Ireland Shooting Star award.

The Beyond Barriers project captured and shared voices of adult learners in LOETB’s literacy service, highlighting their personal journeys and achievements, especially those who have faced unique challenges in returning to education.

Transformative Journeys for Traveler Women is a programme designed to empower parents or carers who have experienced cumulative trauma and have been denied access to education and societal opportunities. The programme nurtures self-compassion, both for the child they once were, for their own parents, and for the young people they are parenting.

Speaking at the awards ceremony AONTAS CEO Dearbháil Lawless said: “The Laois STAR Award winners highlight the incredible initiatives and programmes that are running in Laois and across the island of Ireland that promote adult learning and community education. The value and benefit of adult education is truly reflected in the individuals here this morning and I highly commend all the winners and nominees for their fantastic achievement”.

Find out more about the AONTAS STAR Awards and Adult Learners’ Festival at www.aontas.com.