Groundbreaking Laois Offaly women win awards

Pioneering adult learning initiatives for Traveller women from Laois and Offaly were celebrated in Croke Park at Ireland's national adult learning awards.

The Aontas STAR awards – short for showcasing teamwork, awarding recognition – highlight education initiatives that showcase the transformative power of adult education.

A statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live said two Laois and Offaly community projects were recipients of special recognition awards at the event at GAA HQ, co-hosted by special guest, the writer and actress Pauline McLynn, aka Mrs Doyle from Father Ted.

The Laois and Offaly winners were Beyond Barriers and Transformative Journeys for Traveller Women which are both run by the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board. They brought home the European Social Fund (ESF) Special Recognition Award and the Open University Ireland Shooting Star award.

Aontas say the Beyond Barriers project captured and shared voices of adult learners in Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board’s literacy service, highlighting their personal journeys and achievements, especially those who have faced unique challenges in returning to education.

Transformative Journeys for Traveller Women is a programme designed to empower parents or carers who have experienced cumulative trauma and have been denied access to education and societal opportunities. Aontus said the programme nurtures self-compassion, both for the child they once were, for their own parents, and for the young people they are parenting.

Commented on the awards, Joe Cunningham, Chief Executive at LOETB, acknowledged the work of the FET Inclusion team and their support of those in the community with literacy difficulties.

"Many of us take for granted the ability to read and write, use technology or manage our financial affairs. However, for many more, through no fault of their own, these areas are a constant challenge. Literacy support, in all its forms, is a key focus of our staff so that we can help people break down these barriers. The impact of this work is rewarding for all concerned and the personal accounts of the students who took part in this project are truly inspiring," he said.

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AONTAS CEO, Dearbháil Lawles spoke at the STAR Awards ceremony in Croke Park on Friday, March 3. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

PICTURED: Representatives from the Beyond Barriers initiative by Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board, winners of the European Social Fund Special Recognition Award, pictured at the 2025 AONTAS STAR Awards ceremony. Photo: Marc O’Sullivan

“The Laois STAR Award winners highlight the incredible initiatives and programmes that are running in Laois and across the island of Ireland that promote adult learning and community education. The value and benefit of adult education is truly reflected in the individuals here this morning and I highly commend all the winners and nominees for their fantastic achievement,” she said.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD today congratulated Laois Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB).

"The fantastic Beyond the Barriers amplifies the voices of adult learners in the LOETB literacy service by filming the personal accounts of student ambassadors from diverse communities who act as advocates for adult literacy and lifelong learning.

“The project allows student ambassadors to demonstrate why skills and lifelong learning are an investment priority, particularly for my own Department and for the European Union.

“Their stories show how the decision to return to education can have far-reaching impacts for individuals, their families and even their communities.

“They show that everyone deserves their education to be taken seriously, and literacy levels must not be a barrier to personal development or personal fulfilment,” he said.

The STAR Awards marked the end of the 2025 AONTAS Adult Learners’ Festival, a week-long all-island celebration of adult learning that this year centered around the theme of connecting communities.

AONTAS is Ireland’s national adult learning organisation for adult and community education providers and adult learners. It promotes the value and benefits of adult learning, and advocates on behalf of the sector. Founded in 1969, it is an independent Non-Governmental Organisation, with over 500 members nationwide.

In addition to promoting adult learning in Ireland, AONTAS is the national coordinating body for the New European Agenda for Adult Learning (NEAAL), which is aimed at increasing participation in adult learning across the EU, enhancing policies and supports for adult learners, and gathering and disseminating best practices.