An adult learning initiative from Kilkenny was among 24 community education projects from across the island of Ireland that were celebrated at an awards event in Croke Park last Friday (07.03.25), organised by AONTAS, the national adult learning organisation of Ireland. The STAR awards – short for showcasing teamwork, awarding recognition – highlight education initiatives that showcase the transformative power of adult education.
The Voter Education Programme by REHAB that took place in Kilkenny was among seven overall winners announced at the event, co-hosted by special guest, the writer and actress Pauline McLynn, a.k.a. Mrs Doyle from Father Ted. The project brought home a STAR Award in the Learner Voice category.
The Voter Education Programme by REHAB delivered a series of voter education workshops to National Learning Network and RehabCare services across the country with sessions in Kilkenny, Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Portlaoise. The workshops are tailored to highlight themes of self-advocacy for people with disabilities and finding solutions to challenges that people in the services face when going through the registration and voting process.
Speaking at the STAR Awards ceremony in Croke Park on Friday (07.03.25), AONTAS CEO, Dearbháil Lawless said: “The STAR Award winner highlights the incredible initiatives and programmes that are running in Kilkenny 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!”
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.
