Lifelong learning is increasingly seen as important in modern society providing a wide range of social and health benefits. Aontas, the National Adult Learning Organisation, a voluntary membership organisation in the Republic of Ireland is committed to the idea of lifelong learning and an adult learning and education which is accessible to and inclusive to all. Learning in later life is also seen to have a wide range of benefits from social interaction and skills building to mental agility and vitality.In the last few years the organisation has developed a new senior learners network to address the needs of older people in this area.

 

 

It first established learner networks in 2006 in order to create effective spaces for learners to come together and share experience, identify their needs and to work collectively to create better conditions and opportunities for learning. In order to ensure such Networks are effective AONTAS put a steering group in place and made strategic alliances with other organisations with the aim of engaging in collaborative work that responds to the needs of learners.

 

 

One group of learners that were identified as in need for such a network was senior learners. Their needs were identified during a piece of research that AONTAS was conducting‘Don’t Stop Me Now – the Lifelong Learning Needs of Older People.’ The aim of the senior learner network is to provide a medium for dialogue with, and between, older learners. By developing networks, learners are enabled to come together to discuss their experience as an adult learner and also the barriers and issues that arise during their learning journey. Through this process of sharing experience specific issues are identified and a solution found through the support and assistance of AONTAS.

 

Adult learners are empowered to take on these issues and through a collaborative approach with others reach a satisfactory outcome. Learner networks are inspirational in that the learner’s experience is used to motivate others to work together for a better adult learning service in Ireland. This is one way of addressing the needs of senior learners (55+) and raising the profile of this important, but often overlooked area of lifelong learning.

 

 

Running for 2 years and after 4 meetings the Senior Learner Network the outcomes of the senior learner network include:

 

§ A submission to the National Positive Ageing Strategy

§ A logo for senior learning.

 

The Senior Learner Network is moving into its next phase in line with the new AONTAS strategic plan, which will be produced following extensive consultation this year. It is ready to take the leap into being part of a greater movement of learners through a National Adult Learner Forum.