The National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) is a charity committed to ensuring that people with unmet literacy, numeracy and digital literacy needs can fully take part in society.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Adult Skills Survey 2023 shows that 21%, or about 1 in 5, adults aged 16 to 65 in Ireland are at or below level 1 on a five-level literacy scale. At this level a person may be unable to understand basic written information. 

25% or 1 in 4 adults in Ireland score at or below level 1 for numeracy. At this level a person may struggle with doing simple calculations.  

According to a 2020 study by the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop), 38% of adults aged 25-64 in Ireland, or about 2 in 5 adults, have below basic digital skills. This means a person may have trouble using everyday technology like smartphones and computers.

These unmet needs have devastating consequences for individuals, communities and the economy. People at the lowest literacy and numeracy levels earn less income, have poorer health and are more likely to be unemployed.

Since we were set up by volunteers in 1980, we have been a leading campaigning and lobbying force on adult literacy issues. We have been involved in national policy; tutor training and teaching resources, research and campaigns to support people with these unmet needs.

We are an equal opportunity employer.

Current employment opportunities at NALA