AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation, is seeking nominations from adult learning initiatives in Galway for the annual STAR Awards 2021.
The STAR Awards will take on extra significance in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic as the organisation celebrates and acknowledges the incredible work that adult learning providers have done in adapting their provision to ensure that the learners’ needs continue to be met.
To highlight the diverse range of quality adult learning initiatives taking place across the country, AONTAS welcomes STAR Award nominations in five categories for 2021: Health and Wellbeing; Learner Voice; Social Inclusion; Sustainable Development through Education; and Third Level Access and Engagement.
Two special awards will be given for Mitigating Educational Disadvantage through Innovation (during Covid-19 ), and a European Social Fund Special Recognition Award.
Speaking about the awards, Niamh O’Reilly, chief executive officer of AONTAS, said: “This year adult learning initiatives have adapted and reimagined their learning provision including; new ways of recruitment and outreach, online/ hybrid learning and assessment, utilising new methods of communication technology and providing safe spaces for those learners to engage in education.
"The STAR Awards provides a brilliant opportunity to recognise the outstanding work in adult learning and also gives [innovators] the opportunity to spotlight their excellent work across Ireland and bring national recognition to learners, staff and organisations.”
Since its inception in 2007, thousands of adult learning initiatives across a wide variety of areas – including increasing educational access for all, including those with a disability, supporting positive mental health, and as part of addiction recovery – have been recognised through the STAR Awards.
How to nominate
To nominate an adult learning initiative visit: https://www.aontas.com/community/adult-learners-festival/aontas-star-awards. The deadline for receipt of nominations is Friday December 18.
Winners will be announced at the STAR Awards ceremony, which will take place online on Monday March 1 2021. This ceremony will form the opening event of the Adult Learners’ Festival 2021 taking place from March 1 to 5 2021.
