Today on International Literacy Day we launched twelve new Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) accredited Level 1 courses on our Learn with NALA eLearning website.

The launch on was welcomed by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD and Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Marian Harkin TD.

Feedback from 816 learners who completed NALA’s Level 1 unaccredited courses last year found that:

• 84% said the courses helped improve their skills
• 84% said they felt more confident after completing them
• 89% would recommend the courses to others.

Learners consistently highlighted greater independence and a renewed belief in their ability to learn. Many commented, that the courses helped them return to education after years away from learning.

Harry Bird, Learner, said, “I didn’t have the opportunity to finish school. The Level 1 Listening and Speaking course helped me with my vocabulary and my confidence. I like learning online. I hope to work in an office someday.”

Kevin Kiernan, Learner, commented, “Before starting the course, I didn’t think online learning was for me. Being able to learn at my own pace with support from NALA’s tutors has helped me build my confidence step by step. Completing the Reading course gave me the confidence to keep learning and achieve things I never thought were possible.”

For the first time, online learners using Learn with NALA will be able to achieve nationally recognised QQI Level 1 qualifications, creating new pathways into further education, training and employment.

The 12 courses are designed specifically for adults with literacy, numeracy and digital literacy needs and cover:

• Reading, writing, listening and speaking
• Maths and problem-solving skills
• Computer and digital technology skills
• Personal development and goal setting.

While Level 1 learners are often those with the greatest educational needs, Level 1 awards account for only 2% of all annual Further Education and Training awards. NALA anticipates that at least 600 learners will achieve approximately 1,200 QQI awards each year on these courses.

Commenting on the launch, Colleen Dube, Chief Executive Officer of NALA, said:

“When nearly nine in ten learners tell us they would recommend Learn with NALA courses, and more than eight in ten say they have improved their skills and confidence as a result of completing one of them, it shows the difference Learn with NALA can make in people’s lives.

“For many adults, returning to education can seem overwhelming. Learn with NALA allows people to learn at their own pace, in their own time and in a way that works for them.

“These new accredited Level 1 Learn with NALA programmes are an important milestone. They will help adults gain nationally recognised qualifications while building the confidence and skills they need for life, learning and work.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, said:

“I am delighted to see the launch of these new accredited Level 1 programmes, which will create new opportunities for adults across Ireland to build their literacy, numeracy and digital skills and gain nationally recognised qualifications.

“International Literacy Day is an important opportunity to recognise the role literacy plays in helping people participate fully in society, education and work.

“Learning should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background or previous educational experience. The flexibility offered through Learn with NALA helps remove barriers to learning and supports people to develop the skills and confidence they need to progress in education, employment and everyday life.

“I want to congratulate NALA on this important milestone and on its continued work supporting adult learners throughout Ireland.”

Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science with special responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills, Marian Harkin TD said:

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, progress and reach their potential. Adult literacy helps people build confidence, develop new skills and create new opportunities for themselves and their families. These new Level 1 programmes will support more adults to take that first step, gain recognised qualifications and realise what they are capable of achieving.”

Since it first offered eLearning courses in 2008, NALA has supported thousands of learners across Ireland. Launched in 2020, Learn with NALA provides free access to literacy, numeracy and digital literacy courses, enabling learners to study at their own pace and in their own time with expert support available when needed.

Visit learnwithnala.ie or call NALA for free on 1 800 20 20 80 for more information.