International Literacy Day Conference
This will be the high point of NALA’s 30th birthday celebrations, with contributions from the Department of Education and Skills and international literacy and numeracy experts. The conference will be attended by approximately 300 people involved in adult literacy in Ireland, VECs and other key stakeholders in the education and training sector, and will culminate in a huge reception for students and tutors at 4pm. It promises to be a very informative and fun-packed day with something for everyone.
10.00 Registration
10.15 Welcome: Inez Bailey, Director, NALA
10.30 Morning session: Skills for life – the role of adult basic education in contributing to Ireland’s recovery
Speakers:
• Brigid McManus, Secretary General, Department of Education and Skills
• Alan Tuckett, Chief Executive, National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (UK)
• John Martin, OECD Director for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs
• Barney Whelan, Director of Communications, An Post ‘Take the first step’ campaign
Q & A
12.30 Lunch
13.45 Afternoon session: Supporting adults to improve their basic skills – sharing best practice
Speakers:
• Why leadership matters: Putting basic skills at the heart of adult learning: Pip Kings, London Strategic Unit for the Learning and Skills Workforce at NRDC
• Teaching adult literacy: Irene Schwab, Institute of Education, University of London
• Making adult numeracy teaching meaningful to adults: Joan O’Hagan, National Centre of Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (UK)
• Teaching literacy in the digital age: Tom O’Mara, Distance Learning Officer, NALA
Panel discussion and Q & A
16.00 Reception for ALOs, literacy students, volunteers, tutors and members:
NALA 1980 – 2010 celebrating 30 years
Running order:
• A short history of NALA: 30 years – what we’ve done and what we need to do
• The power of literacy: Stories, writings and poems from students and tutors
• 10 years of literacy on TV – from ‘Read Write Now’ to ‘Stuck for Words’
• Literacy and Irish life: The vital role of the VEC adult literacy service
17.30 Closing remarks:
• Sean Haughey, Minister for Lifelong Learning, Department of Education and Skills
• Michael Power, Chairperson, NALA
Workshops:
Why not join one of our fun workshops during the day?
Room 1: 10.30 – 12.30
Fighting words - Student creative writing workshop
Room 2: 10.30 – 12.30
Breaking down barriers -Helping others to take the first step into education
For more information or to book a place call NALA on 01 855 4332 or email info@nala.ie
