Most adults with unmet literacy needs can read something but find it hard to understand official forms and instructions. Some people will have left school confident about their numeracy and reading skills but find that changes in the workplace.
The literacy skills demanded by society are changing all the time. Many feel there is still a stigma around literacy, with people not feeling confident with their reading, writing or digital skills, yet they don’t know where to seek help. With the farming sector, there are scheme applications that need to be filled out, new agtech apps and emerging technology. As a result, it has never been so important for farmers to engage in the free supports available that can help develop and meet their literacy needs.
It is estimated that 500,000 people have unmet literacy, numeracy and digital literacy needs across Ireland. Last year, over 85,000 accessed supports. Although this is a considerable number, it still means a large portion of people are struggling in silence.
Access to learning
Established in 1980, the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) is a registered charity and membership-based organisation. They aim to make sure people with unmet literacy and numeracy needs have access to learning opportunities and can fully take part in society.
Literacy allows us to fully engage in society, according to Colleen Dube, chief executive officer, NALA. She says, “In everyday life, it is those basic skills – reading, writing, maths and digital that we need for everything that we do. This could be figuring out how to get into the Ploughing, how to buy a bus or train ticket, how to do your banking and how to fill in forms. All of us at various points in our lives may not be as strong in those areas as we need to be or would like to be, and there really is no shame in that.”
She also finds that a lot of people in Ireland, particularly adults would have left school early or have an undiagnosed learning issue which had an impact on their learning.
“There are always opportunities to go back and improve and brush up on those skills,” says Colleen.
What a lot of people don’t realise is there are over 100 local adult literacy services around the country, run by ETBs and community education centres. Each service runs free adult learning courses on reading, writing, spelling, maths, technology and computers. You can attend your local service and work with trained tutors one-to-one or in small groups.
For information on your nearest service, contact the NALA Freephone support line on 1800 20 20 65.
Literacy awareness
International Literacy Day was celebrated on 8 September, raising awareness and concern for literacy issues worldwide. To mark this, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Patrick O’Donovan launched the first of three eLearning modules on literacy awareness. The aim of this is to equip people who deal with the public and help them to become literacy aware and respond sensitively to unmet literacy needs.
“I think it will be a real help to de-stigmatise it. If an individual has an unmet literacy need, it’s not their fault, it’s the state and society that have to take the blame for that and there is something we can all do about it,” says Yvonne McKenna, director, Adult Literacy Ireland.
Throughout September, the communications campaign ‘Let’s talk about literacy’ will help break down the stigmas and create more awareness for the part we can all play in communicating in an easy-to-understand way.
Adult Literacy for Life
The Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) launched by SOLAS is the Government’s 10-year strategy for adult literacy, numeracy and digital literacy in Ireland.
With one in six adults having unmet literacy needs, it is important to avail of the free support.
ALL have Regional Literacy Coordinators across Ireland who want to ensure everyone has the literacy to meet their needs. These can help guide you with free courses and resources available. If you are heading to the National Ploughing Championships next week, call into the Government Tent, hub 5, entrance 2: Empwering Careers, Skills, Literacy and Apprenticeships to speak to a member of the ALL team.
To find your local coordinator check out: adultliteracyforlife.ie
What is literacy?
Literacy is like a muscle. You need to use it regularly or your skills weaken. Learning is a lifelong process. If you don’t use reading and writing skills every day you can get out of practise.
What is unmet literacy?
Unmet adult literacy and numeracy needs can have devastating consequences for individuals, communities and the economy. There are many reasons why people have unmet literacy, numeracy and digital literacy needs.
Having to leave school early or missing school through illness
Not finding learning relevant to their needs.
Being part of a large class and not having specific needs catered for
The teaching methods in school didn’t suit the student’s learning style
Being in a job that did not require using literacy skills – getting out of practise
Supports
National Learning Network (NLN), offers a range of flexible training programmes and support services designed to help students succeed and develop confidence.
NLN has over 50 training centres across Ireland. They cater to people aged 16 and over, many of whom have left school early, unsure of their next steps, who need support to explore their talents and strengths. Their programmes cater to a variety of needs. You can learn online atlearnwithnala.ie or freephone 1800 20 20 65
One in six adults struggle with reading and understanding everyday text
One in four adults has difficulties using maths in everyday life
About two in five (42%) of adults struggle with basic digital tasks
The Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) launched by SOLAS is the Government’s 10-year strategy for adult literacy, numeracy and digital literacy in Ireland
There are free literacy courses ran by local ETB centres and other community groups aimed at helping learners strengthen their skills around literacy, numerous and digital literacy
To listen to Colleen Dube discuss adult literacy, scan the QR code below.
