The NALA Learner Day is for you, if you are aged 18 years or over and are developing your reading, writing, maths, or digital skills:

• in an adult literacy centre, or as part of another programme (for example a National Learning Network, Community Training Centre or Youthreach); or
• with NALA’s over the phone Tutoring Service or the Learn with NALA website.

What will happen at the NALA Adult Literacy Learner Day?

You will meet other learners, hear student speakers, and go to a workshop in the morning. Then we will have lunch together. In the afternoon you will go to a different second workshop. After that we will have a questions and answers session. We will finish at 4:00 pm.

Is there a cost to attend?

No, there is no cost to attend. NALA covers the cost for tea, coffee on arrival and a lunch and tea and coffee at lunchtime.

Where is the Ashling Hotel?

The Ashling Hotel is at 10-13 Parkgate Street, Dublin 8. The Eircode is D08 P38N. From Dublin city centre you take the Red Luas Line towards Tallaght and get off at the Museum Stop. The Ashling Hotel is a four-minute walk. If you are coming by train to Heuston Station, the hotel is just across the river (three-minute walk). Unfortunately, NALA cannot cover transport costs for students.

How do you register?

Please register by Monday 7 October so NALA can plan the day. You can:

• Click here to register or click the button “Register now” at the end of this page
• Phone Margaret Murray on 087 969 3696 to register

Workshops

Tell us which workshops you want to go to. NALA will fill the workshops on a first come, first served basis. If you are booking a place for someone else and you do not know which workshop to choose, leave that part of the form blank.

Green workshop – Morning only: “Technology to make learning easier”
Please note: this workshop is delivered in the morning only
Paula O’Connor, Adult Literacy Educator, NALA
In this workshop Paula will show you how to use apps that are already on your phone, or free apps that you can download. The apps can read aloud printed, online and hand-written text and type out what you speak.

Green workshop – Afternoon only: “Importance of your vote”
Please note: this workshop is delivered in the afternoon only
Fionnaigh Connaughton, Adult Educator, Dublin Adult Learning Centre (DALC)
This will be a fun interactive workshop with experienced educator Fionnaigh Connaughton, DALC where you will learn how to register to vote, how to vote and why politics matters.

Orange workshop: “Well-being”
David McGrath, well-being facilitator with City of Dublin ETB (Education and Training Board)
In this workshop you will hear about what being human means and tips on how to look after yourself. When things are not going the best, it can help, to tune in to yourself. David will take you through an exercise, that you might do again, by yourself.

Red workshop: “Creative writing”
Colm Keegan, Poet, and author of Randomer
In this workshop Colm will give you tips for creative writing. If you have a poem or short story you may get to read it out. You will get to talk to other students about writing.

Purple workshop: “Get yourself online with An Cosán”
An Cosán Digital Inclusion Team
In this workshop you will learn about An Cosán’s free digital literacy tools that help you to both assess your current digital skills and fill any skills gaps. These resources are designed to help improve people’s basic digital literacy skills. You will also hear about a free employability e-learning platform to help develop your job seeking skills.

Agenda

• 9.30 – Registration, tea, and coffee (information stands and free books)
• 10am – Welcome and introduction
• 10.20 – Literacy ambassador talks and questions
• 10.40 – First workshop
• 12.15 – 1.15 – Lunch
• 1.30pm – Main room – Mick Clifford, journalist with the Irish Examiner newspaper and of The Mick Clifford Podcast will talk about the current political landscape and where one vote made a difference.
• 2pm – Second workshop
• 3.30 pm – Back to main room – Event wrap up with Questions and Answers
• 4pm Finish

An adult literacy learner only space

NALA Adult Literacy Learner days are for adult literacy learners only. The only exception to this is tutors facilitating a workshop, people doing stands on the day, or when NALA invites non-student speakers to the day.

How NALA helps students to feel comfortable

• When you arrive on the day, we will have a member of NALA’s Student Subcommittee, of our Board, at the door to welcome you.
• At the start of the day, we go through ground rules – how we will work together, where the workshops are on, where lunch is. There is no pressure put on you. You can get up and walk around, take a break if you need to.
• If you are a tutor encouraging an adult literacy learner to attend, but you feel they need a little extra support, please let Margaret Murray, NALA’s Literacy Student and Development Officer know. You can email mmurray@nala.ie or phone Margaret on 087 969 3696. Margaret can organise that a Student Subcommittee member will look out for that person and get them settled.

Photography: NALA will photos and videos of the event. If you do not want to be in a photo or video, just let us know.

Once you have booked just come along on the day.

Have any questions?

If you have any questions about the event or registration please contact Margaret Murray on 087 969 3696 or email mmurray@nala.ie