As the year draws to a close, the holiday season gives us an opportunity to:

• reflect on a busy and rewarding 2025 for the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA); and

• say a massive thank you to our members and partners who collaborated with us throughout the year.

Here are a few of the highlights we are most proud of.

A year of recognition and awards

This year, NALA’s work was recognised in Ireland and internationally.

Our Learn with NALA website that provides free courses in reading, writing, maths and computer skills received The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Confucius Prize for Literacy.

This award recognised the impact of Learn with NALA in supporting adults to develop their skills and confidence and earn NALA certificates and Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) qualifications.

Our plain English team were delighted to be presented with the Cheryl Stephens Innovation Award from the Plain Language Association International (PLAIN).

This award recognised how our plain English activities have helped others to develop and implement plain English knowledge and skills in their communications.

We were also:

• Shortlisted for the Good Governance Awards

• Winners of the Christmas FM Digital Sponsorship Award

You may have heard our Christmas advert on the Christmas FM app or on the Christmas FM website. It aims to raise awareness of our services and secure donations so we can continue to develop and deliver our free and confidential services.

A year of events

We held a wide range of wonderful events this year. These included webinars, training sessions, in-person briefing sessions, conferences, our Annual General Meeting (AGM) and learner ceremonies.

Here are a few that are worth exploring.

Plain English top tips

On 21 November we ran a practical session on plain English top tips on writing clear, effective letters and emails. 

This one-hour session is particularly useful for those who would like to use plain English when communicating with colleagues and customers.

Watch the plain English webinar on YouTube

Literacy opens doors 4-part webinar series

This fantastic series brought together a brilliant range of speakers from community and voluntary sector organisations. These recordings are particularly useful to those seeking to work or who are working in the non-profit sector and are involved in literacy friendly work.

Watch the Literacy opens doors series on YouTube

Technology and Creativity in the Adult Literacy Classroom

This 3-hour session was a perfect event for digital literacy tutors. It gives you the opportunity to learn about the use of technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to create resources and engage your students.

Watch the Digital Literacy event on YouTube

New worksheets for learners and students in our community

We have also released a new That’s Interesting! worksheet (Edition 121) for the festive season with activities to practise reading, spelling and maths skills.

Insights on adult literacy in Ireland

We are always looking for ways to champion our community and adults who deserve to have their literacy needs addressed. We highlight the need and push for better funding and policies.

Part of this is educating our government and public about literacy needs in Ireland and the severe impact of those literacy needs not being addressed.

Did you know that almost 1 in 2 adults with poor health have literacy needs?

We produced five short and clear factsheets covering everything from employment to health, happiness and social outcomes. These present findings from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Adult Skills Survey 2023.

View the factsheets

That’s 2025 wrapped!

As you turn to wrapping presents, finding new places for Elf on the Shelf, and immersing yourself in Christmas carols and food, we want to say a final thank you for being part of our member community.

We look forward to 2026 where we will continue to:

• design and deliver more practical worksheets and resources;

• deliver more events and celebrate our network; and

• shout loud and clear for adult literacy in Ireland.

All of us at NALA want to wish you and yours a very healthy, happy and peaceful Christmas.

Information on NALA opening times over the holidays