AONTAS Award - Adult Learning initiatives that support Social Inclusion
AONTAS, Ireland's National Adult Learning Organisation, have announced the winner for the Adult Learning initiatives that support Social Inclusion in Ireland. Laois Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) are delighted to announce that they won for the Open University overall Shooting Stars Award for the project Transformative Journeys for Traveller Women. The ceremony took place at Croke Park to celebrate and acknowledge the incredible adult learning initiatives going on across the country, in support of learners.
The Transformative Journey for Traveller Women which won the award was a collaboration between LOETB and Laois Traveller Action Group (LTAG). The partnership between LOETB Adult Literacy Service, LOETB Adult Guidance Service and LTAG, who are deeply rooted within the Travelling community, ensured the programme was relevant, respectful and effective. The 11-week programme was a journey of self-discovery developed to address the lived experience of the women in the local Travelling community. It focused on addressing social barriers, and empowering the women to overcome the oppression and exclusion that has prevented them from engaging fully in education and the community. The programme encourages advocacy, social justice and self-compassion in a community and peer-led learning group.
Participants felt deeply affected from the programme, saying it touched their hearts and stayed with them. The common theme for many of the women was not so much how they needed change but the absolute certainty that they needed to start a process or chain of change that might, in time, inspire the next generation. The voices of Traveller women are growing even stronger, and they’re embracing their culture and identity while also stepping into a world filled with new possibilities. To demand more and to appreciate the importance of education was empowering. One participant is looking to become a local advocate with the hopes of guiding other women in her community to follow their dreams.
Ann Shields, Adult Literacy Organiser for Laois and Offaly ETB, who organised this programme is confident that these amazing women will go on to achieve great things for themselves, their families and their community. Already in the short time since completing the course, they have published an impressive cook book, they have formed a group to work on social justice and one of the ladies has progressed to employment.
If you would like to receive further information on running this programme, please contact Ann Shields, Adult Literacy Organiser with Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board on 085 8760327 or email: [email protected]
