Booking for this event is now closed. You can email Margaret Murray, about this event on mmurray@nala.ie or telephone 087 9693696.

Theme: “Meeting other students and everyday learning”

The National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) Adult Literacy 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 students and hear student speakers. There will be time for questions and answers. You will go to one workshop in the morning. We will have lunch together. In the afternoon you will go to a second workshop.

How do I register?

Please book your place by 5pm on Friday 4 April so NALA can give the numbers to the hotel and plan the day. You can:

• book online by clicking on the “Register now” button below; or
• ring Margaret Murray, NALA: 087 969 3696 to book your place.

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 Shamrock Lodge Hotel?

The Shamrock Lodge Hotel is located at Clonown Rd, Athlone, Co. Westmeath (Eircode: N37 CK73). See directions and further travel information here.  

Unfortunately, NALA cannot cover transport costs for students.

Agenda

• 9.30 – 10.00     Registration and tea and coffee
• 10.00 – 10.15    Welcome and introduction
• 10.15 – 10.30    Short talks from students
• 10.30 – 10.45   Questions and answers
• 10.45 – 12.15    Morning workshop
• 12.15 – 12.30    Photo*
• 12.30 – 1.30     Lunch
• 1.30 – 2.00      Questions and answers
• 2.00 – 3.30      Second workshop (and let us know how you found the day)

Workshops

Green: “Well-being” – David McGrath, well-being facilitator with City of Dublin Education and Training Board (ETB)
In this workshop, you will get to reflect on how you manage your well-being and stress. You will hear about how our habits around sleep, work, exercise, food and screentime can have an impact.

Blue: “Artificial Intelligence” – Marie Brazil, tutor, Adult Education Service, Athlone
In this workshop, you will find out what Artificial Intelligence is and if you are using it already. You will also get talk with other students about where this could help you and what you might need to watch out for.

Orange: “Driver Theory” – Eileen O’Flaherty, driver instructor and tutor with Kerry ETB
In this workshop, Eileen will give tips for getting your head around the driver theory test. Her focus will be on being a safe road user.

Red: “Managing money” – Mary Mitchell, tutor, Adult Education Service, Blanchardstown
In this workshop, Mary will look at how we reach our money goals in terms of budgeting for needs and wants. She will give information about help in the community like MABS. Hopefully by the end you will feel a little more empowered about managing your money.

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 students arrive, a member of NALA’s Student Subcommittee, of our Board, will welcome students at the door of the hotel. They will be wearing a purple sweatshirt.
• In the introduction we go through ground rules – how we will work together for the day – where the workshops are on, and lunch. There is no pressure put on people. You can get up and walk around and take a break if you need to.
• If you are a tutor encouraging someone to attend, but you feel they may need a little extra support, please contact Margaret Murray, NALA’s Literacy Student and Development Officer, before the day. Margaret’s number is 087 969 3696. Margaret can then organise to have a Student Subcommittee member greet the person and get them settled.

*Photography: NALA will take photos and videos of the event. If a person doesn’t want to be in a photo or video, just let us know. We will take a group photo as well.

Please book as soon as possible so we can plan the workshops and give the hotel the numbers. Once booked in, you just come along on the day. If you have any questions in the meantime, call Margaret on 087 969 3696.