Building Capacity 

AONTAS will deliver three different training programms developed to equip adult educators to respond to today’s challenges. These will combine delivery of workshops in different communities nationwide, as well as a residential training programme. The three programmes are:  

• Learner Voice Project: which will now include an online micro credential  

• AOTNAS on the Road: a trauma-informed practice training for educators working with vulnerable adults  

• Future Focused Innovation in Community Education: a residential training on the Community Education Against Disinformation programme 

Empowering Learners  

A transformative two-year initiative was designed to empower 24 adult learners with essential skills in communication, leadership, and advocacy. Participants are encouraged to apply their newly acquired skills by initiating and leading workshops or projects within their own communities or learning environments.  

Policy and Advocacy Work 
AONTAS’ policy and advocacy work will remain a central thread throughout the project. This will be further amplified by the upcoming Irish EU Presidency and AONTAS’ unique role in facilitating meaningful dialogue between local, national, and European adult education contexts. 

Key activities in this area will include national campaigns, policy submissions, and both hosting and contributing to EU-themed events. 

Strengthening the Sector 
AONTAS continues to act as a key connector within the adult learning sector, and NEAAL will further strengthen our mission to bring the sector together while also mapping its development. In addition to shared learning and upskilling opportunities, and ongoing policy and advocacy work, we will enhance sectoral connections by convening a national, high-level, cross-departmental Project Advisory Group for NEAAL. 

Furthermore, AONTAS will host two Adult Education Summit events over the next two years. These summits will bring together community education practitioners, policymakers, and key stakeholders to raise awareness, foster collaboration, and support shared learning across the sector. 

Collaborations at EU Level  

AONTAS will participate in a number of transitional meetings and thematic events, disseminating the work, opportunities and challenges that take place in Ireland in the adult ed sector. We will also host study visits from key civil societies and statutory organisations and departments from across Europe.  

In the next two years we will play an active role in the EU Cluster of NEAAL National Coordinator ‘Innovative Learning Environments with the focus on Basic Skills’.