A programme of events for Donegal has been launched by AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation as part of their annual Adult Learners’ Festival 2017 which takes place from March 6-10.
Highlights of the events programme for Donegal include IT workshops aimed at men, as well as a craft course and art displays. The full programme of events is available at www.adultlearnersfestival.com.
Over the past eleven years, over 5,000 adult learning events have taken place nationwide as part of the festival, including information sessions, taster workshops and open days. The wide range of events encourages adults to try something new in an informal setting and, for some, it provides their ‘first step’ back into education.
Speaking at the launch, Niamh O’Reilly, AONTAS CEO said: “Every year many adults begin their journey back to education. For somebody who may have been out of formal education for a long time, or who had negative educational experiences in the past, it can be a hugely daunting step. The wide range of events encourages adults to try something new in an informal setting and, for some, it provides their ‘first step’ back into education.
“The festival showcases the diversity of learning options available to adults – from the informal setting of a local community centre, to Education and Training Boards, and a more formal third level institution. We hope that this year’s festival will encourage adults in Donegal to think about returning to learning whilst highlighting the great work that is being done by adult and community education groups in Donegal.”
2017 marks the European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA) Year of Adult Education in Europe, to coincide with this the AONTAS Adult Learners’ Festival is adopting their theme of ‘The Power and Joy of Learning’.
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