Over 150 adult learners, their tutors and family members gathered at a ceremony today to celebrate their learning achievements and to receive national Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) qualifications. The event, which was held in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium included adults from all over the country, who have returned to education and earned a QQI certificate in learning either independently or through their local education centre.

Organised by the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA), entertainment was provided by the Dublin Gospel Choir while Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, gave the opening remarks.

At the event, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris said:

“Huge congratulations to all those receiving awards and certificates today for everything they have achieved. You are truly inspiring. You have shown that literacy has the power to help people reach their full potential and go as far as they would like to go. That is why I am so determined in making sure everyone is aware of all of the fantastic literacy supports available free of charge to people, such as Learn with NALA. I have huge ambitions when it comes to literacy, as set out in the Adult Literacy for Life Strategy. And events like today highlight the importance of the need for visibility, availability and accessibility of a range of learning options, which are adaptable to people no matter what their circumstances.”

Many of the adult learners attending the event improved their reading, writing, numeracy or digital skills by completing learning courses on NALA’s ‘Learn with NALA’ online platform, www.learnwithnala.ie.

Launched in March 2020, ‘Learn with NALA’ was specifically developed for adults in Ireland with unmet literacy, numeracy or digital literacy needs. It gives adult learners the opportunity to learn and improve their skills online and earn a qualification.

So far in 2023, 767 learners have achieved 1,772 QQI awards through ‘Learn with NALA.  These learners and awards break down as follows:

• 296 learners earned 702 QQI awards by studying independently with NALA online or over the phone,
• 471 students from 76 Education and Training Board or community educations centres around the country achieved 1,070 QQI awards.

Speaking at the event, Colleen Dube, CEO, NALA, said:

“I would like to congratulate all the learners on their achievements. Today is a day to celebrate and to acknowledge the huge amount of work that goes in to earning an award or certification.  Making the decision to return to learning requires great commitment and perseverance and I commend all the learners for all they have achieved. I would also like to remind them that this is just the start of their educational journey and there are plenty of options to continue learning if they so wish. I would also like to thank all the tutors for their consistent work and dedication in supporting learners to achieve their goals.”

Learn with NALA is supported by SOLAS, the Government of Ireland the European Union and An Post.

NALA supports literacy learning over the phone and or online to over 3,000 adults, for those who are unable to or would prefer not to attend a course in person.

For information on free courses nationwide:

Freephone NALA at 1 800 20 20 65 or go to www.nala.ie or for further information specifically on Learn with NALA call 1 800 20 20 80 or go to www.learnwithnala.ie