.
AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation is seeking nominations from adult learning initiatives in Kerry for the annual STAR Awards 2019.
The Adult Education Survey published by the Central Statistics Office in August found that over half of adults in Ireland (54%) participated in lifelong learning at some point last year.
However, barriers remain which prevent adults from accessing education with 41 per cent of respondents in the South-West Region, which includes Kerry, reporting difficulty participating in lifelong learning due to family responsibilities while 24 per cent named affordability and cost as a barrier.
To highlight the diverse range of quality adult learning initiatives taking place around the country, AONTAS welcomes STAR Awards nominations in four categories for 2019:
• Health and wellbeing
• Third level access and engagement
• Social inclusion
• Sustainable employment
Kerry has seen great success in previous STAR Awards with Kerry College of Further Education shortlisted for a STAR Award in 2018 for its ‘InsideOut’ initiative partnering learners with industry.
Since its inception in 2007 over 1,000 adult learning initiatives across a wide variety of areas – including increasing educational access for all including those with a disability, supporting positive mental health and as part of addiction recovery – have been recognised through the STAR Awards.
To nominate an adult learning initiative, please visit: www.adultlearnersfestival.awardsplatform.com. The deadline for receipt of nominations is Friday, 7th December 2018.
Winners will be announced at the STAR Awards ceremony, which will be the opening event of the Adult Learners’ Festival 2019. The ceremony will take place in Dublin on Monday, 4th March 2019. The Adult Learners’ Festival will take place from the 4th – 8th March 2019.
