Free events in Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny 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 —  runs until Friday.

A number of adult learning organisations in Kilkenny 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, 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 Kilkenny and engage in the theme.

“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 County Kilkenny to check out the events taking place and to learn about the transformative power of adult learning for people and communities," she said.

Adult Learners’ Festival 2024 — Kilkenny Events

Among the event highlights taking place in Co Kilkenny during the Adult Learners’ Festival are:

• ‘Hug Your Book’, at Presentation Primary School in Kilkenny City on March 5, 9-11am; at Presentation Primary School in Castlecomer on March 5 at 9.30-11.30am; and at Mother of Fair Love School in Kilkenny City on March 6, 10am to 12pm. The Hug your Book programme by Lana McCarthy supports parents in making reading fun and learning new ways to support children’s reading, writing and talking.
• Project-based Family Learning, at St John's Junior and Senior Schools, Kilkenny City on March 8, 9.15-11.15am.

To find out more about the free public events taking place in Kilkenny during the Adult Learners’ Festival or to register for an event, visit www.adultlearnersfestival.ie.