13.11.2017 eaea grundtvig award 2017

Motivating through learner stories nationwide

EAEA GRUNDTVIG AWARD 2017. To promote the benefits and value of adult learning, AONTAS designed a creative and innovative way of engaging new learners and encourage them to explore the wide variety of learning options.

As adult learning can be diverse, the campaign was organised under the name “I’m an Adult Learner” – giving the learners an identity. Thanks to the collection and promotion of learner stories, AONTAS raised awareness of the importance of adult learning among the wider public and policymakers.

The campaign took place between March and December 2016 and included three stages. The first stage, Sharing Learner Stories, involved systematic sharing of learner stories. Every Monday AONTAS shared learner stories using #MondayMotivation on its social media platform.

The second stage consisted of a targeted information campaign through blogs, press releases and local information events. In the third stage, AONTAS published a book with the learner stories, officially launched by the Irish Minister of Education and Skills. The book was distributed to a wide range of stakeholders and AONTAS continues to use it as a tool to demonstrate the transformative effect of education.

Wide reach through social media

The “I’m an Adult Learner” campaign used a variety of approaches to maximize the impact and reach. The stories presented in the first stage reached almost 100,000 Facebook users. The information blog posts reached 13,000 people; eight national media articles reached an estimated 500,000 readers. Numerous local media articles and radio interviews also raised visibility for the campaign.

Finally, the launch of the publication in December saw approximately 80 participants; two of the adult learners featured in the publication were also invited to speak as part of a panel at the Adult Skills Conference in Brussels.

The project: I’m an Adult Learner Campaign
  • Award category: National projects (Ireland)
  • Learner target group: Wider public and policymakers
  • Innovative practice: Using learner stories and social media for advocacy

Project coordinator

Resources

The article series shares good practices on engaging new learners by introducing the nominees of the EAEA Grundtvig Award 2017.

Text: Lou-Andréa PinsonPhotos: AONTAS

News

More news >
01.07.2025 digitalisation

Building national ALE registries to support individual learning accounts

RALExILA is a strategic initiative to investigate and strengthen the structures that support adult learning (ALE), with a particular focus on the potential of Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs). New research report provides overview of how 10 European countries structure their ALE systems through financial incentives, management frameworks, quality standards and registries of learning opportunities.

27.06.2025 Gender Equality Task Force

Flexibility is key for the inclusion of women into the labour market

On 27 June 2025, EAEA, EARLALL and EfVET co-organised an online webinar called “Inclusion of unemployed women into the Labour Market”. The webinar  gathered 28 participants to hear about good practices and policies across Europe, which highlighted the role of flexible learning pathways for true inclusivity.

26.06.2025 active ageing

Active Ageing: European frameworks and progress

Europe is experiencing a demographic change without precedent, with a rapidly ageing population that presents both challenges and opportunities for European societies. Within this context, the concept of "active ageing" must be increasingly central to EU policy.