Events in Donegal to 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 Bundoran, Letterkenny and Carndonagh tomorrow during the AONTAS Adult Learners’ Festival.

Have you always wanted to know how to use a laptop or tablet? Maybe you need help with school apps or your mobile phone, or help with filling out online forms?

If so, drop into the digital hub at your local library in Bundoran on Tuesday, March 5, 10am-12 noon; Letterkenny 2-5.00pm; and Carndonagh from 2-4pm. Feel free to bring your device with you or you can use the device provided by the tutor. The digital hubs are also a weekly service, so if you miss the festival dates, don't worry; you can come to a future session.

To find out more about the free public events taking place in Donegal during the Adult Learners’ Festival or to register for an event, visit their website.

The week-long celebration of adult learning, which is run by AONTAS — the National Adult Learning Organisation of Ireland and runs until Friday.

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, CEO of AONTAS, Dearbháil Lawless said: “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 Co Donegal 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 Co Donegal to check out the events taking place and to learn about the transformative power of adult learning for people and communities.”