Formation 1969 Headquarters Dublin CEO Niamh O'Reilly | Type Non-Governmental Region served Ireland | |
Purpose Promotion of Adult Learning | ||
AONTAS - The Irish National Adult Learning Organisation is an Irish non-governmental organisation for the promotion and facilitation of adult learning. It was founded in 1969 by Fr. Liam Carey of the Dublin Institute of Adult Education, and launched by Brian Lenihan TD. Sean O'Murchu was elected its first president. While it has been a non-governmental body since 1976, it receives funding from the Department of Education and Skills.
The word aontas (Irish pronunciation: [ˈeːn̪ˠt̪ˠəsˠ]) is Irish for "union", but is also a backronym for Aos Oideachais Náisiúnta Trí Aontú Saorálach, meaning "national adult education through voluntary unification".
Membership of AONTAS includes individuals as well as a number of state bodies such as Education and Training Boards ETBs, community education organisations, trade unions, Institutes of Technology, providers of learning, and community projects amongst others.
AONTAS produces a number of publications and periodicals such as The Adult Learners Journal as well as research publications. It is a registered charity.