Over fifty adult learners, their tutors, families, and friends gathered on 7 October 2025 at an awards ceremony organised by the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) at the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) in South Dublin.

The event celebrated the learning achievements of adult learners from over 12 counties who have improved their literacy, numeracy or digital literacy skills using the Learn with NALA eLearning website learnwithnala.ie .

Learners received NALA certificates and, in many cases, earned a Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) certificate independently or with support from NALA’s Tutoring Service or a local education centre.

Colleen Dube, CEO, NALA, said:
‘I would like to congratulate and pay tribute to all the learners. A huge commitment and effort went into their achievements today. We know it is not an easy to go back to education and it can often take a village of support to get you back and through the learning journey. With that in mind, I would also like congratulate all the families and support networks of the learners who have been on this journey with today’s learners.’

Margaret Kelly, Chairperson NALA, speaking at the ceremony, said:
‘Literacy is the gateway to all learning, and it empowers individuals, workers and communities. For those who are parents, it has an impact on improving their children’s learning. Research shows that literacy is a vital skill for accessing information, making decisions, engaging with wider society, accessing work, taking part in volunteering and having trust in society.’

Shannon O’Farrell-Molloy, Learn with NALA and Cumas New Ross learner, who achieved an award today, said:
‘I really enjoy learning and I’m very happy to complete a Level 3 course with Learn with NALA. I struggled with learning and doing the course has helped me to become more confident in my reading and writing skills. NALA and my tutor in Cumas have been very encouraging and a great support to me.’

From left to right: Colleen Dube, NALA CEO, Patrick Travers, Learn with NALA learner, Shannon O’Farrell-Molloy Cumas New Ross learner, Colin Maher, Cumas New Ross Tutor, Pat Kavanagh, Northside Partnership Dublin Tutor, Margaret Kelly NALA Chairperson.

Each year, NALA supports over 3,000 adults to improve their literacy skills over the phone and or online.  NALA also manages a national Freephone service that refers callers to Education and Training Boards and community education providers around Ireland.

In 2025, 796 learners achieved 1,766 QQI awards on Learn with NALA:

• 374 learners were working directly with NALA
• 422 learners were working in a blended learning context across 68 centres registered to use Learn with NALA
• 954 Level 2QQI awards were earned
• 812 Level 2 QQI awards were earned
• Additionally, 1,393 learners achieved 4,264 NALA certificates on Learn with NALA in 2024.
• 1,612 certificates at level 1
• 1,084 certificates at level 2
• 302 certificates at preparing for level 3 and
• 1,266 certificates at level 3
• 791 of these learners were working independently with Learn with NALA; and
• 602 learners were based in one of 107 Learn with NALA registered centres across the country.

The Learn with NALA eLearning website has over forty free online courses for adults in subjects including reading, writing, maths, computers and communications.

For further information or for media enquiries, please contact:
Michelle Lynch,
Communications, Advocacy and Outreach Manager, NALA
Email: mlynch@nala.ie / 087 968 9016