AONTAS

This week, our Head of Advocacy and Policy, Conor Thompson and Senior Research Officer, Eve Cobain appeared before the Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for the Economy as part of its inquiry into widening participation in higher education.

Drawing on AONTAS research and engagement with adult learners and community education providers, they highlighted the important contribution community education makes to participation, inclusion and lifelong learning.

🎥 Watch the session here: https://niassembly.tv/committee-for-the-economy-meeting-wednesday-3-june-2026/

Important insights from National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) on literacy, numeracy, and participation in adult learning.

The findings reinforce the need to continue working together across the adult and community education sector to remove barriers and create more inclusive learning opportunities for all.

We encourage our networks to explore the factsheets and the valuable evidence they provide below.

Did you know…?

▪️If your parents didn’t go to college, you are more likely to have literacy or numeracy needs
▪️If you don’t have a Leaving Cert or PLC (Post-Leaving Certificate), you are more likely to have literacy or numeracy needs
▪️If you have literacy needs, you are less likely to take part in adult learning.

Find out more in this factsheet on education and literacy and numeracy needs in Ireland: https://www.nala.ie/publications/nala-factsheet-on-education-oecd-survey-of-adult-skills/

NALA has made a series of factsheets to share key findings from the latest OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) Survey of Adult Skills, which was run by the CSO (Central Statistics Office Ireland).

You can find all five factsheets here: https://www.nala.ie/literacy-and-numeracy-in-ireland/

A great day at the 56th AONTAS AGM yesterday.

From reflecting on the achievements and challenges of the past year to exploring priorities for the future through our Towards 2030 consultation session, today's discussions highlighted the strength and commitment of the AONTAS membership.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and shared their perspectives.

AONTAS Head of Advocacy and Policy, Conor Thompson and Senior Research Officer, Eve Cobain appeared before the Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for the Economy this week.

Drawing on our research and evidence from across the sector, they highlighted the role of community education in supporting adult learners to access and engage in education.

Thank you to the Committee for the opportunity to contribute to this important discussion..

📄 You can read and find out more in our submission here:https://www.aontas.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/AONTAS-Submission-to-the-Review-of-Widening-Participation-in-NI-2026.pdf

A warm welcome to the newest members of the AONTAS Board, elected by members at today's AGM.

Learner Representatives:
• Chidiogo Blessing Ebeledike
• Paula O’Shea

Organisational Representatives:
• Dr. Joe Collins
• Stephanie Kirwan

We look forward to working together and benefiting from the experience, perspectives and insights they bring to AONTAS.

Thank you to everyone who took part in the voting process and to all those who stood for election.

Members took part in a consultation session that will help inform the next AONTAS Strategic Plan.

Discussions were exploring learner voice, community education, equality, and how AONTAS can continue to advocate for and support adult learners and our members in the years ahead.

Special thanks to our Vice-Chair Dr. Lilian Nwanze-Akobo for leading the member consultation session!

Our CEO Dearbháil Lawless presented the AONTAS Annual Report 2025 at .

In her opening remarks, Dearbháil reflected on the role of adult and community education in responding to social challenges, including rising racism and division. She highlighted the importance of creating spaces for dialogue, reminding us that continuing these conversations matters, and that silence can empower those who seek to divide communities.

The report reflects on a year of working alongside our members to support adult learners and strengthen adult and community education across Ireland.

Thank you to all our members for their ongoing commitment and contribution to this work.

🔗 Read all about our year here: https://tinyurl.com/AONTASAnnualReport2025

AONTAS Chairperson John D'Arcy opened our 56th AGM this morning, welcoming members and reflecting on the importance of coming together to share experiences, celebrate achievements, and shape the work ahead.

Good morning from the 56th AONTAS Annual General Meeting

Members, partners, and adult education advocates are gathering this morning at The Dean Docklands for a day of discussion, reflection, and looking ahead to the future of adult learning.

Last week, Ruby Cooney, Education Projects Officer, and Karyn Farrell, Learner Voice Project Officer, facilitated a Learner Voice training session with learner representatives from Dublin College Balbriggan Swords, Dublin and Dún Laoghaire ETB in Swords.🗫

The session brought together 10 learners to explore the role of learner representatives, contribute to the development of the DDLETB Learner Rep structure, and help lay the foundations for a Learner Rep Charter.

Through open discussion, brainstorming and sharing experiences, learners highlighted the value of meeting new people, hearing different perspectives and learning more about each other's backgrounds.

A positive and welcoming atmosphere helped create space for meaningful conversations on learner representation, future recruitment and strengthening learner voice across the college.