Multiple Kildare businesses nominated for national STAR Awards

Kildare Knit & Natter, Shine’s Advocacy programme and Whidden Workshops are among 26 adult learning initiatives nationwide that have been shortlisted for the annual STAR Awards, coordinated by AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation.

Showcasing teamwork and awarding recognition across 10 categories, the STAR Awards will take place at Croke Park on Friday, March 10. The ceremony will mark the culmination of the week-long Adult Learning Festival, coordinated by AONTAS every March.

Knit & Natter, a community group that fundraises for underdeveloped countries, has been shortlisted in the Global Citizenship Education category which celebrates initiatives that empower learners to actively tackle global challenges.

Shine’s Advocacy programme, which gives a voice to lived experience of mental illness, has been shortlisted in the Learner Voice category which recognises initiatives that place the voice and experience of adult learners at the heart of their work.

Whidden Workshops, an initiative which spotlights Traveller and Roma students to teach others about pathways into Further Education, has been shortlisted in the Social Inclusion category which recognises engagement with local communities and contributions to social and cultural life.

The annual Adult Learners’ Festival, coordinated by AONTAS, celebrates adult learning across the island of Ireland. The theme of this year’s festival is ‘Create Your World’.

Speaking ahead of the festival launch, Dearbháil Lawless, Chief Executive of AONTAS, invited people from across Kildare to check out the programme of online and local events. She said, “Adult and community educations is about more than gaining a qualification. For many, it is about meeting new people, learning something new or rediscovering an old passion. That’s what our theme ‘Create Your World’ is all about – this is an opportunity for everyone to create something new in their life which brings joy.

“Whether you want to take a class or a course, the Adult Learners’ Festival is a great opportunity to get a taste for something. There really is something for everyone at this year’s festival – from knitting and crochet taster sessions to paediatric first aid classes, as well as introductions to hot stone therapy, flower arranging and sustainable living! There are also a wide range of information sessions to learn about Further Education and Training courses and about learner supports and assistance for those hoping to undertake a course.”

There is also still time to register your event with on www.adultlearnersfestival.ie, whether you’re planning an information session, a workshop or taster class, or even an open day style activity such as a walk and talk or coffee morning.

To find out more about the Adult Learners’ Festival or to register for an event, visit www.aontas.com.