What is the programme for the NALA Student Day?

The programme is:

10.00:        Registration and tea and coffee

10.30:       Welcome and introduction

10.40:        Students share their experiences about going back to education

11.10          Greetings from the Education and Training Board

11.30         Morning workshop (see below for more information)

1 – 2pm    Lunch

2.00:          Afternoon workshop

3.30:          Questions and answers with NALA

4.00:          Finish

Who are the NALA Student Days for?
The student days are for you if you are:

-attending an adult literacy centre or improving your literacy as part of another programme at Youthreach, National Learning Network or a Community Training Centre;

-learning over the phone with NALA’s distance learning tutors or the Write On website; or

-learning English as an ESOL student in an adult education centre.

Who is NALA?
NALA helps people with literacy difficulties to take part fully in society and have access to learning opportunities that meet their needs.

What happens at a NALA student day?
You meet other students, hear student speakers and learn something new at a workshop. No one is put under pressure. You can get up and walk around and take a break if you need to.

Will there be tutors there?
No, NALA’s student days are for students only. The only exception to this is when NALA invites a tutor to facilitate a workshop or invites a guest speaker to give a talk.

How much does it cost?
NALA’s Student Days are free to attend.  NALA also provides tea and coffee on arrival and a free lunch. We ask that all students attending show they support our work by becoming free members of NALA. We will provide free membership forms available at the event. We can also help you fill in these forms.

Does NALA provide transport?
Unfortunately NALA is unable to provide transport. The hotels where the events are on are always accessible by public transport. In the past some Education and Training Boards have paid for buses to bring students to the event.

Do I need to book my place?
Yes, you need to book your place. If you would like to do a workshop, you also need to book this. If you are booking a place for someone else but do not know their preference for a workshop, just fill in the “I don’t mind” option.

What happens when I arrive?
When you arrive you will be welcomed by literacy students from NALA’s student subcommittee. If you are encouraging someone else to attend but think they need extra support, let us know. We can arrange for a subcommittee member to look out for the person. At the start of the event we tell people how to part in a respectful way.

What happens at the end of the event?
If you want to, you can fill in an evaluation form at the end of the event. This form lets us know what you thought about the event. The questions on the form can be completed by ticking a box.  Students from NALA’s student subcommittee will be available to help people fill in the form.

What are the workshops about?
There are four workshops at the Student Day. Students can choose to do one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The workshops are:

1.Shopping and everyday maths
How do you work out a 10% discount? What does a 3 for 2 offer mean? This workshop will give you the answers. In small groups, you will also get the chance to share shopping tips that you have picked up.

2.Build confidence and self-esteem
How can you feel more confident and build your self-esteem? This workshop will give you tips. You can also take part in a small group discussion with other students about this topic.

3.Climate change – in plain English
What are emissions and what is climate justice? Find out about key terms you hear on this topic. Listen and take part in a discussion with other students.

4.Tips about other learning opportunities
Learn about NALA resources – books and online – that could help you learn. What are the learning opportunities outside your centre? For example in your local library, in schools, podcasts and online.

If you have any questions please call Margaret Murray at 01 412 7928, or email mmurray@nala.ie