A group of 63 adult learners in Donegal were able to share their experiences at a recent regional meeting of the National Further Education and Training (FET) Learner Forum.
The event, held at the Radisson Blu, offered a platform for learners to share their experiences, discuss their learning journeys, and contribute to shaping the future of further education in Ireland.
The National FET Learner Forum is a collaborative initiative led by AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation, in partnership with SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority, and local Education and Training Boards. Throughout 2025, hundreds of learners from across Ireland will take part in regional forums, offering valuable insights into the experiences of adult learners nationwide.
Speaking at the forum, Deirdre McColgan, Quality Assurance Manager at Donegal Education and Training Board said, “AONTAS play a vital role in the capturing the voice of life-long learners across Ireland, and their advocacy on behalf of learners has a far-reaching positive impact. Learner voice is very important to us. We want learners to use their voices to let us know what we are doing well, and what we can improve upon. We as an ETB are here to serve the community of Donegal”.
Attendees at the event spoke very positively about their experiences in Further Education and Training (FET), particularly praising the quality of their courses, the strong support from tutors, and the inclusive nature of adult learning. Adult literacy learners especially highlighted the encouragement they receive from their tutors and described feeling part of a supportive and inspiring learning community.
Learners also highlighted the need for better communication around course offerings and availability. One suggestion was the development of a central information hub to provide clear, accessible details on all programmes and supports available to adult learners. Participants also proposed the creation of dedicated social spaces within centres to help build community, along with upgrades to some facilities to enhance the overall learning environment.
If you are thinking of going back to education, you can find further information on the AONTAS website. You can also check out the range of programmes available at the Donegal Education and Training Board on their website.
