Two Cork based adult learning initiatives have been shortlisted for an AONTAS STAR Award. The STAR Awards (Showcasing Teamwork, Awarding Recognition) are an awards initiative organised by the national adult learning organisation, AONTAS, to recognise and celebrate the work undertaken by adult learning initiatives throughout Ireland.

The two groups, both shortlisted in the ‘Sustainable Development through Education’ category, include: 

  • The Kinsale College Green Campus Initiative aims to make Kinsale College a sustainable and environmentally friendly campus through adult learning and education. The project aims to create a more diverse, perennial and organic polyculture of food production with zero waste and pollution and ample space for biodiversity. At the heart of this transformation is caring for people and community.
  • Cork ETB North Cork Upholstery & Textile Design Classes is a non-accredited, informal short course which introduces practical upholstering skills to many adult learners. This provides a very positive first step back into education for people from diverse backgrounds including people who are retired, long term unemployed, living with mental health and other disabilities, members of the travelling community and new communities including Syrian refugees. A key focus is on learning practical skills through project-based experience, working on upcycling personal or donated pieces of furniture/clothing.

Commenting on the shortlist, Niamh O’Reilly, CEO of AONTAS, said:

The STAR awards are an excellent opportunity to celebrate the positive contribution that adult learning initiatives make to individual adult learners, local communities and wider society. The quality of nominations this year has been exceptional. During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic adult learning initiatives are continuing to provide essential supports and services to those adult learners most in need. These groups are a brilliant example of this and we are delighted to have such wonderful initiatives shortlisted for a STAR award.

Judging of the STAR Awards comprises two stages: In the first stage, nominated projects are shortlisted by an independent judging panel, whose membership is drawn from the education, business and technology sectors. The second stage gives staff and learners from the shortlisted projects the opportunity to meet with the judging panel online before they make their final decision.

STAR Award winners will be announced during the week of the Festival (1st-5th March 2021) and a celebratory event will also take place to acknowledge the incredible achievements of all of the groups involved.

The STAR Awards form a key part of the AONTAS annual Adult Learners’ Festival. Over the past fifteen years the Festival has become a firm fixture in the Irish adult learning calendar, showcasing the range of learning opportunities available across the country and encouraging adults to try something new. The 2021 Adult Learners’ Festival is AONTAS’ first ever virtual Festival. With the COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing a programme of events will take place online. A key focus of this year’s Festival is on collaboration and the theme of #BetterTogether.

The STAR Awards are proudly sponsored by the Open University in Ireland and the Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCNNI), the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI), Concern Worldwide, Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) and the European Social Fund (ESF). Sponsors will be offering special prizes to all 2021 STAR Award winners.

Notes:

  • Follow @AONTAS on Twitter, @aontasireland on Instagram, and ‘like’ us on Facebook
  • Use the #BetterTogetherhashtag to share details of your own online events or events in your local community. Encourage your followers to share your events and information
  • AONTAS is the National Adult Learning Organisation, a membership organisation which represents approximately 400 providers of adult and community education, along with tutors, researchers and individual adult learners. AONTAS provides information to adults returning to education, advocates on behalf of adult learners and promotes the benefits of adult learning
  • Further information is available at aontas.com

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