Cavan student tells of his path through adult education

A Cavan student features in a new booklet celebrating the impact of adult learners sharing their experiences that has been launched today.

The booklet, entitled 'I’m a FET Learner', features the personal stories of 10 Further Education and Training (FET) learners. From Imani Tutu who attended the first ever National FET Learner Forum event in 2016 to Niamh Becton who took part in a virtual National FET Learner Forum in Spring 2020, each individual story shares the impact that taking part in the Forum has had on the learners.

Officially launching the booklet via video link Minister for Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD, said: “This booklet offers a real picture of the impact that adult education makes on people across this country. Many of the featured people faced challenges. By finding the courage to take that first step, these individuals, and countless more, have opened up a world of opportunities. FET is for everyone and it is my absolute priority to support everyone irrespective of their age, background or educational experience to have access to FET.”

Imani Tutu came to Ireland from the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2015 and completed English classes in the Cavan Adult Learning Centre (CALC). In 2016 he attended the first National FET Learner Forum to represent Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board.

“The experience was amazing. It was the best experience of my life. I wish I could go back to that day,” said Imani.

Since 2016, Imani progressed through QQI levels 4-5, completed an undergraduate degree at University College Cork and is currently studying for a Masters in International Commercial Law at University of Limerick. Imani has shared his learner voice through many platforms including an article in the Irish Times and at the United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees (UNHCR).

The launch event was led entirely by the learners who took part in this booklet. Hosting the event, introducing speakers, interviewing the CEO of SOLAS, Andrew Brownlee, and facilitating the stakeholder panel, learners were at the heart of all the activities that supported the day’s events.

Speaking at the launch, Niamh O’Reilly, CEO of AONTAS said:

“This booklet demonstrates, whilst learner informed policy is vitally important, in AONTAS our approach to learner voice is more than just about gaining feedback. Through facilitated discussions and deep engagement, we strive for a transformative learner voice experience which builds learners’ confidence, and capacity to shape their education journey.”

I’m a FET Learner is available to download here.

You can access all of the National FET Learner Forum Reports here.