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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Members of LOETB, Laois Traveller Action Group (LTAG), and Laois Traveller Women pictured at the launch of the first ever LaoisTraveller Cookbook, launched in Dunamaise Arts Centre in Portlaoise.
Laois has been recognised for outstanding adult education initiatives with three nominations at this year's AONTAS STAR Awards.
The STAR Awards—short for "Showcasing Teamwork, Awarding Recognition"—celebrate outstanding initiatives that empower local communities through adult learning.
The successful Laois projects include 'Transformative Journeys for Traveller Women', a programme by Laois Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) that empowers individuals who have experienced cumulative trauma, has been shortlisted in the Social Inclusion category. Dignity Partnership, a civic education initiative that promotes inclusion and integration for international protection applicants, refugees, and vulnerable migrants in Irish society, is nominated in the Global Citizenship Education category. Meanwhile, Beyond Barriers, an LOETB project that amplifies the voices of adult learners in their literacy service, is in the running for a Learner Voice award.
The nominees for the 19th annual STAR Awards showcase 24 outstanding adult education initiatives across Ireland recognizing initiatives that make a significant impact in categories such as Health & Wellbeing, Learner Voice, and Social Inclusion.
Speaking about this year’s STAR Awards shortlist, CEO of AONTAS Dearbháil Lawless said: “Our STAR Awards shortlist is a wonderful example of the vibrant programmes on offer in adult and community education across the island of Ireland. Showcasing best practices, and the passion, love, courage, and dedication that is reflective of adult learning”.
The STAR Awards 2025 winners will be unveiled at Croke Park on Friday, March 7, hosted by a special celebrity guest. This highly anticipated event marks the grand finale of the Adult Learners Festival, a week-long celebration of adult learning organized by AONTAS. This year’s festival theme, ‘Connecting Communities,’ highlights the power of learning to bring people together.
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