When learners speak, lead and create: A discussion on learner agency, strategies and policy through the learners’ voice  
The workshop, part of the ENHANCE Erasmus+ project, focused on more than showcasing good practice. It became a working space where that unspoken imbalance—the distance between learning about empowerment and actually redistributing power—was brought to the surface.
Participants quickly identified how learners’ voices are often filtered through institutional priorities. Even when space is made to “listen,” decisions are still taken elsewhere. As one participant put it, “We ask for opinions, then go on with the same plans.” The real challenge is not to make learners speak more,but to ensure they co-create the…
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How Inishowen Development Partnership is Empowering Communities in Donegal The workshop created a welcoming space for new migrant communities to foster a sense of belonging, integrate into local life, and actively contribute to a greener, more inclusive Buncrana.
Twelve participants attended the session, representing Nigeria, Pakistan, Botswana, the Philippines, and Ukraine. The discussion focused on ensuring that migrant communities have a voice in shaping their local environment while strengthening social connections. Patricia Higgins from IDP’s Connecting Communities initiative and Rachel Grant, Project Worker, were present to support the session.
When asked what…
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A Cornerstone of the North Dublin Community: Coolock Development Council The Coolock Development Council is home to a range of impactful community and youth organisations. These include Sphere 17, a youth service working with young people in North Dublin between the age of 10-24, and Northside Partnership, which offers employment services and sponsors Tús, a community work placement scheme providing short-term working opportunities for unemployed people. 

The organisation supports 77 community members on the Community Services Programme, Community Employment Scheme and Jobs Initiative Scheme, who are engaged in both work and learning opportunities. Through these…
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Connecting Communities: Highlights from the 55th AONTAS AGM Setting the Scene: A Year of Building, Learning and Advocacy 
Our Chairperson, John D’Arcy, opened the proceedings, highlighting the launch of our new Members Hub. It’s our new online space for our members to connect on everything related to adult education on the island of Ireland. You can get involved here.  
John also shared how recent AONTAS research on the impact of adult and community education in Northern Ireland has resonated with his own colleagues across the UK – a testament to the impact of our work. 

The day included the election of new board members. We extended our deepest thanks…
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99% of adult learners find taking part in the National FET Learner Forum a positive experience The National Further Education and Training (FET) Learner Forum is a Learner Voice project designed to bring together adult learners from across Ireland to ask their views on their FET experience. The Forum ensures that FET meets the needs of adult learners today, and will continue to do so in future.
AONTAS are responsible for delivering the National FET Learner Forum. We work in partnership with each of Ireland’s 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) to host regional events with focus groups. We also share a survey with learners. And at the end of each regional Forum event, learners are invited…
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