Celebrating Adult Learning Festival

AIT Celebrates Adult Learning Festival

Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) will hold a series of coffee mornings (11am-1pm) for adult learners from Monday-Friday, 22-26 February. The social mornings are part of the institute’s celebration of the fourth annual Aontas Adult Learners Festival.

Prospective mature students will have an opportunity to discuss courses starting in September with representatives of the Department of Adult and Continuing Education. Information will be available on how to go about gaining a qualification, as well as how to develop hobbies or interests that people might have.

Michael Tobin, Head of Department, said that “the learning coffee mornings offer a unique opportunity for an individual who is currently reviewing their career. The format will be very relaxed and over a tea or coffee and possibly a pastry, individuals will get the opportunity to meet and chat about potential learning opportunities relevant to them. Information and advice will also be available on existing and potential funding opportunities,” he said.

“This is an ideal time for someone who is thinking of going to third level, to drop in and have a look around AIT and see for themselves the significant numbers of mature students that are currently studying here,” he continued. “Currently, there are over 1,500 mature students from all over the Midlands region attending part-time courses, while more than 15 per cent of all full-time learners are over the age of 23.”

The Adult Learners’ Festival 2010 is a nationwide celebration of adult learning coordinated by Aontas – the National Adult Learning Organisation. The festival celebrates the achievements of adult learners, showcasing the collaborative work of providers, promoting the value of adult learning to the public, the media and politicians and providing information on adult learning opportunities.

Aontas believes that all adults in Ireland should have equal access to learning opportunities. They believe that adult learning has a hugely important role to play in the economic and social future of Ireland.

AIT is also organising a celebration of learning as part of the week to recognise the work of all existing part-time mature adult students. According to Michael Tobin, there will be “a little surprise for them each evening as they arrive for their studies – something to keep their energy levels up, but also to celebrate their success at being adult learners”.

Further information about the Adult Learners Festival is available online at www.adultlearnersfestival.com and www.ait.ie.