Education is transformative and empowering for individuals, their families and communities, with wide ranging benefits for society as a whole. Education opens doors, builds self-confidence, increases job satisfaction and employability, creates life opportunities, improves health, plays a vital role in personal development, generates and maintains social cohesion and solidarity, as well as much more.
AONTAS, the national adult learning organisation, believes in building a more equitable lifelong learning system in Ireland where all learners, particularly in adult and community education can thrive. Simply put, every adult should be able to access quality education throughout their lives regardless of their social background or financial circumstances. Given the impact of the ongoing pandemic on so many areas of life, such as mental health, social isolation, (un)employment and so on, more people are considering returning to education to improve their wellbeing and overall situation. AONTAS is therefore running a national campaign from 1 – 14 September 2021 to raise awareness about options for returning to education as an adult. During the campaign we would be grateful if you could promote our work, re-share and like our social media posts, and inform those in your networks about www.OneStepUp.ie, so they can find out more about their education options and find their learning pathway.
With over 50 years of experience in adult education advocacy, AONTAS knows how hard it can be to get the information and support needed to return to education. Every year, the free One Step Up Information and Referral Service signposts thousands of adults to the supports they need. The service consists of a
· Free Information booklet Click Here (and see attached)
· Freephone number 1800 303 669 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
This free service is delivered by AONTAS as part of the European Agenda for Adult Learning project ‘Adult and Community Education: Supported Learner Pathways 2020-2021’.
Promote your information events and open days for free via One Step Up
Given new uses of online technology and ongoing uncertainty surrounding health and safety, many education providers are now promoting their organisations and courses via virtual open days and online information sessions. If your organisation would like to reach thousands of potential learners for free then you can advertise your virtual open day and other information events via the One Step Up Calendar.
Click Here to submit your online event now