Events in Mayo this week spotlight the transformative power of adult learning
Everyday learning spaces where adults who return to education can learn safely and feel supported are being celebrated in Mayo this week during the AONTAS Adult Learners’ Festival.
The week-long celebration of adult learning – which is run by AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation of Ireland – starts today (Monday) and runs until Friday (March 8).
A number of adult learning organisations in Mayo are holding free public events throughout the week to promote their work and showcase what they do, for both current and prospective learners.
The theme of the festival – ‘Everyday Learning Spaces’ – is highlighting safe and supportive learning environments for people returning to education as adults.
According to AONTAS, an everyday learning space is anywhere that adult education happens – not just in classrooms, but in libraries, digital hubs, learning pods, online, or learning facilitated in parks or social spaces.
Announcing the Adult Learners’ Festival, the CEO of AONTAS, Dearbháil Lawless, commented: “Everyday learning spaces help people with real-world challenges, whether that is struggling with new technologies, needing to balance learning with caring or other responsibilities, or needing specific support with learning.”
Ms. Lawless encouraged people to check out the events in Mayo and engage in the theme, saying: “This year’s festival is spotlighting the everyday spaces that mean that people can learn in a way that suits them. Learners are the focus and take an active role in shaping these spaces. We invite people in Mayo to check out the events taking place and to learn about the transformative power of adult learning for people and communities.”
Among the event highlights taking place in Mayo during the Adult Learners’ Festival are a coffee morning and a history seminar.
Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board is hosting a ‘Time to Talk Career Guidance’ coffee morning, with a guidance information officer outlining what courses are available across the county. This event is taking place on Wednesday (March 6) from 10 a.m. until 12 noon at the Further Education and Training Centre on Lucan Street, Castlebar.
Also in Castlebar, ATU Mayo’s history and geography programme is presenting a women's history seminar to mark International Women's Day. This event, chaired by Dr. Deirdre Garvey, will be held on Friday (March 8) from 1 to 2.30 p.m. at ATU Mayo, Westport Road, Castlebar.
To find out more about the free public events taking place during the Adult Learners’ Festival or to register for an event, visit www.adultlearnersfestival.ie.