Advice NI Reaches the Stars
Advice NI was awarded a STAR Award for its E-Quals online learning project at a ceremony which took place, February 2nd, at Dublin Castle. Two hundred representatives from different adult learning organisations attended the ceremony. Minister for Lifelong Learning Sean Haughey launched the ceremony, which marked the beginning of the third annual AONTAS Adult Learners' Festival.
Speaking at the launch, Minister for Lifelong Learning Sean Haughey remarked
"In today's ever changing and challenging economic environment learners everywhere are embracing and engaging in adult and further education in ever increasing numbers. This is borne out by the numbers of learners we have seen returning to education in recent years. It will enable people to investigate their options and will hopefully encourage those who want or need to improve their educational levels to return to education."
Mary Kennedy, RTE personality, presented the awards to representatives from fourteen different organisations. A former teacher, Ms Kennedy described herself as
"a strong supporter and advocate of lifelong learning and education. It's not just about learning a new skill, but about the confidence, self esteem and growth that learning brings"
Adult learning organisations receiving awards work with people as diverse as recovering drug addicts, people with intellectual disabilities, older men, and immigrants. Advice NI’s winning project is a partnership training project between Advice NI and National Energy Action which aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of advice workers to provide information, advice and guidance to individuals and communities on energy efficiency. The project uses face to face learning techniques, mentoring as well as e-learning, and to date twenty adult learners have taken part in the project. These learners have gone on to become local champions, advising people in Northern Ireland how to become more energy efficient, how to cope with increasing fuel prices and adapt their behaviour accordingly.
Berni Brady Director of AONTAS. said,
"These outstanding projects reflect a number of needs in today's Ireland. They also demonstrate how important it is for government to invest in measures which give adults continuing access to education. Through participating in these initiatives, adults who missed out first time on their education have progressed into employment or further education. As a result, they will make a lasting contribution to Irish society and pass on their enthusiasm for learning to future generations. It is vital that even during the recession that these initiatives continue to be resourced."
She continued
"Over the past number of months AONTAS has seen a huge increase in demand for information on adult learning opportunities and in people's appetite for learning - this is a direct result of the economic circumstances in which many people find themselves."
