Registration is now open for the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) Student Empowerment Programme taking 11 May to 15 June 2022.
Who is the NALA Student Empowerment Programme for?
You, if you are an adult or a young person who is improving your literacy, numeracy or digital skills:
- In a centre (adult literacy centre, on a Youthreach Programme, in a National Learning Network or a Community Training Centre or other programme)
- Over the phone, with a NALA tutor
- Using the Learn with NALA website
These workshops are also for adults who are improving their English, where English is not their first language.
What is it about?
This is part of NALA’s student development work. Students have shared their ideas and experiences with NALA. They’ve done this through our Student Subcommittee, the NALA Board, taking part in our student days and giving feedback through the NALA Student Development Fund. Students have also taken part in media interviews, given advice on how to improve NALA websites and helped raise awareness through webinars for tutors and through webinars for people working outside education in many different sectors.
This programme is a special offering for a limited number of students. We expect 10 to 24 students to take part in each workshop. Students will learn new skills together with other participants. The workshops will last two hours (with a break in the middle). Students will get a chance to talk and ask questions and explore the topic. All workshops take place from 10 am to 12 pm.
Need more information?
If you have any questions about the Student Empowerment programme please contact Margaret Murray, NALA Student and Membership Officer on 01 412 7928 or email mmurray@nala.ie
Sign up to join a workshop
The topics and dates are outlined below:
Ruairí McKiernan – Becoming more confident
Wednesday 11 May, 10am – 12pm
Ruairí McKiernan is award-winning social innovator, author and campaigner. Students will hear from someone who is passionate about people and their full potential. Ruairí is the founder of the SpunOut.ie youth organisation. He is the bestselling author of Hitching for Hope, the host of the Love and Courage podcast, and a former member of President Michael D. Higgins’ Council of State. Ruairí will share insights and tips to support you in becoming more confident.
Ruairí McKiernan – Public Speaking
Wednesday 18 May, 10am – 12pm
Ruairí McKiernan is award-winning social innovator, author and campaigner. Students will hear from someone who is passionate about public speaking and the importance of finding our voice. Ruairí is the founder of the SpunOut.ie youth organisation. He is the bestselling author of Hitching for Hope, the host of the Love and Courage podcast, and a former member of President Michael D. Higgins’ Council of State. Ruairí will share insights and tips to help you find your voice as an effective public speaker.
Noelle O’Kane – Understanding money information
Thursday 26 May, 10am – 12pm
Noelle will talk about percentages, decimals and fractions and give examples of where they are used in everyday life. She will discuss how money information is presented. This includes pie charts, bar charts, inflation, cost of living and pay slips. Noelle O’Kane is a tutor in Louth and Meath ETB and a tutor on NALA’s Distance Learning Service and is very aware of how students struggle with numeracy.
Tony Daly – Being wise online
Thursday 2 June, 10am – 12pm
Explore your critical thinking skills. Look at ways we handle all the online information. Learn more about who produces information and how to be responsible online. Tony Daly is the Co-ordinator of 80:20, a non-governmental organisation promoting education on human development and rights. Tony brings up-to-date, real world examples of how information can mislead and he will suggest actions we can all take to be responsible and wise online.
Maggie O’ Sullivan – Tips and tools for feeling and living well
Friday 10 June, 10am – 12pm
Looking after your mind and becoming more aware of your inner critic. Looking after your body – sleep, food and comfort. Knowing habits that help and habits that don’t! Managing your time and energy. Maggie O’Sullivan will share her experience as a life coach working in Kenmare, Co. Kerry.
Helen Ryan – Getting the most from going to the doctors
Thursday 15 June, 10.30 am – 12 pm
Helen will share three questions that have proven to help people when they go to the doctors. Helen Ryan is NALA’s Policy Officer. She will tell you about NALA’s work on health literacy, raising awareness in the health sector and encouraging pharmacies to be more literacy friendly. An adult literacy student will accompany Helen to share their experiences and learnings.
Here’s what students who took part in a similar programme said:
(NALA ran a pilot (trial run) of this programme in November and December of 2021):
“I would encourage students to do this programme. I would say it is a must do program if you wish to speak in public about your story or about NALA or your experience in back to education. You will get ideas and knowledge of how to manage a speech and how to control your thoughts and breathing and how to get the message across to others students.” – Tony Moloney.
“I personally really enjoyed this programme. I learned how to relax before public speaking so that I wouldn’t be nervous. I also learned not to be so hard on myself. And last of all, I learned how to say no to people.” – Catherine Devlin
“All the contributors put people at ease.” – Mark Daly
