Just over 40 adult learners, their tutors, families, and friends gathered on 26 September at an awards ceremony organised by the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) in the Minerva Suite of the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) in Dublin. The event celebrated the learning achievements of adult learners from all over Ireland who have improved their literacy, numeracy or digital literacy skills using the Learn with NALA eLearning website. 

The Learn with NALA eLearning website learnwithnala.ie has 40 free online courses for adults in subjects including reading, writing, maths, computers and communications. Learners received NALA certificates and, in many cases, earned a Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) certificate independently or with support from NALA’s phone Tutoring Service or a local education centre.

“I am ready to take the next step in my career with the help of NALA.”

Mohamed Abdi Dheeg, Learn with NALA learner, receiving his award from Sinéad Burke

So far in 2024, 3,375 awards and certificates have been achieved by learners on Learn with NALA. 661 learners have achieved 1,661 NALA certificates and 772 learners have achieved 1,714 QQI awards. 

• 1,813 of these awards and certificates were achieved by learners working independently with Learn with NALA. 

• 1,562 of these awards and certificates were achieved by learners based in a Learn with NALA registered centre.  

The guest speaker at the ceremony was Sinéad Burke, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder of Tilting the Lens, the accessibility consultancy that supports global brands to create more accessible practices, policies, products and services.  

Speaking at the ceremony, Sinéad had this insightful and inspirational message for attendees: 

“It is a privilege to see so many learners and their families, friends, tutors, and communities reaching their goals – congratulations! I believe in life-long learning. I also believe that education not only happens in classrooms but also in the exposure that we have to the world and the people that are around us. I want to congratulate NALA for their leadership in continuing to progress the need for greater access in learning. This event is living proof that Learn with NALA is breaking down barriers to ensure that every person has the skills and tools they want and need to engage and participate fully in Irish society.”

“It has helped me gain confidence in what I can achieve and new ways of learning.”

Deirdre Ryan, Learn with NALA learner, receiving her award from Sinéad Burke

Adult literacy educator and panelist at the event Cait Cooney said:    

“Learn with NALA gives learners choice, flexibility and independence in their learning journey. The variety and quality of courses on Learn with NALA help me to support learners in reaching their goals.”

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

“I would like to congratulate all the learners and acknowledge the huge commitment and effort that goes into your achievement.  I would also like to thank all the tutors and staff for their continued work and dedication in supporting learners to achieve their goals. With the budget and election looming, NALA calls on the Government to ensure that effective and creative learning solutions such as Learn with NALA are sufficiently funded to ensure that adults have access to flexible learning opportunities to develop their skills and potential.”  

At the event NALA CEO Colleen Dube chaired a panel with NALA Adult Literacy Educator Cait Cooney and Learn with NALA learners Deirdre Ryan and Mohamed Abdi Dheeg who shared their experiences of using the platform. This was followed by a presentation of certificates to learners.

Each year, NALA supports over 3,000 adults to improve their literacy skills over the phone and or online. NALA also manages a national Freephone service that refers callers to Education and Training Boards and community education providers around Ireland.   

For information on free courses nationwide call Freephone NALA at 1 800 20 20 65 or go to www.nala.ie.  For information on Learn with NALA go to www.learnwithnala.ie.

Photography by Conor Healy, Picture It Photography.