The Childhood Development Initiative’s (CDI) Restorative Practices Training Programme was highly commended at this year’s AONTAS STAR Awards.The Tallaght-based organisation trains adults in Restorative Practices and promotes its use in communities, schools and workplaces – and was highly commended in the Health and Wellbeing Category. The STAR Awards is an initiative organised by the national adult learning organisation AONTAS as part of its annual Adult Learners’ Festival to recognise and celebrate the achievements of adult learning projects throughout Ireland.
CDI’s Restorative Practices Programme Manager Claire Casey said the programme has trained over 4,000 adults and 500 young people in Restorative Practices since 2010. The majority of the training has been delivered in Tallaght, but it has also been provided across Dublin and around the country. Restorative Practices (RP) are an evidence-based set of skills that help develop and sustain strong and happy organisations and communities by actively developing good relationships, preventing the escalation of conflict and handling conflict and wrongdoing in a creative and healthy manner. An independent evaluation of the RP Programme in Tallaght found: A reduction by 43% in work place conflicts in organisations that have adopted an RP approach; and 87% of those who had undertaken training reported being more confident in dealing with conflict.
CDI is a community development organisation based in Fettercairn and coordinates a range of education, health and social programmes to improve outcomes for children, families and communities. Further information at www.cdi.ie/our-programmes/restorative-practices/ . Since 2007 thousands of adult learning initiatives have been recognised through the AONTAS STAR Awards, including those which increase educational access for all including those with a disability, supporting positive mental health and as part of addiction recovery.
AONTAS CEO Niamh O’Reilly said: “During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic adult learning organisations are continuing to provide essential supports and services to those adult learners most in need. The work they do is benefitting the individual learner, their families and their local communities. The STAR Awards is an opportunity for them to be recognised for their positive impact on society.”
Author, Broadcaster and Comedian Colm O’Regan was MC at a special online celebratory event to acknowledge the outstanding contribution that all of the shortlisted STAR Award projects have made.
Pictured above: Childhood Development Initiative (CDI) Restorative Practices Programme Manager Claire Casey and Programme Coordinator George Best after receiving an AONTAS STAR Award for CDI’s Restorative Practices programme.
