The voice of adult learning in Ireland since 1969. Advocating for the right of all adults to quality lifelong learning.
Charity Reg: 6719 | Company Reg: 80958 | RCN 20013042
AONTAS
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 56th AONTAS AGM yesterday.
It was a day of reflection, discussion, and looking ahead as members helped shape the future direction of AONTAS and adult learning.
#AGM2026 #AdultLearning
AONTAS
Community education has a vital role to play in widening participation in higher education.
Read Senior Research Officer Eve Cobain’s latest blog reflecting on AONTAS' contribution to the Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for the Economy inquiry: www.aontas.com/community-ed...
🎥 CEO Snapshot: May Highlights
A quick dispatch from AGM season! Dearbhail reflects on a busy May, from our North-South webinar and the NI Assembly Economy Committee to presentations at the ESAI Conference.
Plus, some thoughts from this year's AGM and Board elections.
Watch below 👇
🎨 Our Community Education officer, Lorraine, attended the launch of Connections Arts Centre's Connecting Artists and Collective Impact Report 2022–2026.
Celebrating five years of the Programme, the event highlighted the power of creativity, inclusion, and community.
🔗 tinyurl.com/AONTASCACBlog
Conor Thompson and Eve Cobain appeared before the Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for the Economy this week, highlighting the contribution of community education to widening participation in higher education.
🎥 Watch the session: niassembly.tv/committee-fo...
A warm welcome to the newest members of the AONTAS Board, elected by members at #AGM2026.
Learner Representatives:
• Chidiogo Blessing Ebeledike
• Paula O’Shea
Organisational Representatives:
• Dr. Joe Collins
• Stephanie Kirwan
We look forward to working together and sharing experiences!
When communities face isolation, adult learning creates connection.
Last week at our AGM, we launched 2025 Annual Report, reflecting on a year of strengthening communities, amplifying learner voices, and advocating for adult and community education.
📖 Read the report: tinyurl.com/AONTASAnnRep...
Learner voice was at the centre of two AONTAS research presentations at #ESAI2026.
Drawing on findings from the National FET Learner Forum, Thomas Murray and Philip Finn explored learner empowerment, democratic participation, and the experiences of learners with disabilities in FET.
#LearnerVoice
🎟️ Tickets are now available for the AONTAS Adult Education Summit 2026!
Join us on 21–22 October as we explore this year's theme: Shaping Europe's Future through Adult Education.
Book your place: tinyurl.com/AONTASSummit...
#AONTASSummit2026
Conor and Eve appeared before the Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for the Economy this week, highlighting the role of community education in supporting adult learners to access and engage in education.
📄 Read our submission: tinyurl.com/WideningPart...
