About NALA
About NALA
The National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) was established in 1980 by volunteers to respond to the adult literacy needs in Ireland.
Over the last forty years we have become the leading independent voice for adult literacy in Ireland. NALA is a Registered Charity, Company Limited by Guarantee and Membership Organisation.
Read more in 'A Living History'
Our vision and mission
Our vision is that adult literacy is a human right. Everyone in Ireland should have the chance to develop their literacy, numeracy and digital skills to take part fully in society.
Our mission is to:
- campaign for literacy as a human right;
- be leaders and champion best literacy practice; and
- support organisations in their efforts to be literacy friendly.
Read more in our Strategic Plan
Our work
We raise awareness of adult literacy needs in Ireland by engaging in advocacy, policy making and research. We provide information, resources, events, distance and eLearning for literacy, numeracy and digital literacy learners.
We organise events and training for literacy educators and develop and distribute learning and teaching materials. We also provide literacy awareness outreach and training and plain English editing and training.
Our governance
NALA’s governance is guided by our Constitution that includes a Memorandum and Articles of Association. We comply with the requirements of the Charities Regulatory Authority and its Charities Governance Code.
Our work is overseen by a voluntary board and subcommittees. The board is elected by our members at our Annual General Meeting (AGM). They meet throughout the year to guide to monitor our work, finances and to make sure we follow all the relevant laws and regulations. Find out more in the minutes of our Board meetings.
Read our internal policies
Our team
NALA’s main office is based in Dublin. Our 31 staff are led by our Chief Executive Officer, Colleen Dube.
NALA’s staff look after our communications, policy and research, finance and corporate services, learning and education, literacy development and outreach and plain English activities.
Meet our team
Our funding
We receive most of our annual funding from SOLAS, the state agency responsible for Further Education and Training (FET) in Ireland.
We also receive funding from membership fees, one-off grant applications, our plain English and other training services, donations, sponsorship and partnerships. Find out more about our work and funding in our annual reports and financial statements.
Donate to support our work
Our patron
NALA is honoured to have the President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, as our patron.
In her inauguration speech on 11 November 2025, President Connolly noted her commitment to “ensure that all voices are represented, heard and valued, and promote a public discourse that nourishes inclusivity, tolerance and active citizenship”.
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