Free events taking place in Mayo to spotlight adult learning

‘Everyday Learning Spaces’, where adults who return to education can learn safely and feel supported, are being celebrated in county Mayo 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, starts today March 4 and runs until Friday, March 8.

A number of adult learning organisations in the county 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.

CEO of AONTAS, Dearbháil Lawless said that each day the learning spaces help people with ‘real-world challenges’, be it with new technologies, balancing learning with caring or other responsibilities, or needing ‘specific support with learning’.

Ms Lawless encouraged people to check out and engage in the Mayo events saying the 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 Mayo to check out the events taking place and to learn about the transformative power of adult learning for people and communities” said Ms Lawless.

Among the festival’s event highlights taking place across the county include:

‘Time to Talk Career Guidance’ Coffee Morning

Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board is hosting sessions with its guidance information officer on what courses are available across the county. This event is taking place on 6th March, 10.00am-12.00pm, at the Further Education and Training Centre, Lucan Street, Castlebar.

International Women's Day: Women's History Seminar

ATU Mayo’s history and geography programme is presenting a Women's History Seminar to mark International Women's Day, chaired by Dr Deirdre Garvey, on 8th March, 1.00-2.30pm, at ATU Mayo, Westport Road, Castlebar.

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