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Draft:National Adult Literacy Agency (Ireland)

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National Adult Literacy Agency
Aisineacht Naisiunta Litearthachta d'Aosaigh
AbbreviationNALA
Formation1977
TypeRegistered charity
HeadquartersDublin, Ireland
Membership2,315 (in 2023)

The National Adult Literacy Agency (Irish: Aisineacht Naisiunta Litearthachta d'Aosaigh),[1] also known as NALA, is a non-profit organisation in Ireland.[2] It is categorised as a public body in Outsourcing Government.[3] NALA aims to help lower adult illiteracy rates[4] by collaborating with various Government departments and State agencies at a national level to create and execute policies to improve the circumstances of individuals facing challenges in literacy or numeracy. Their goal is to bring about improvements for these individuals. It is a voluntary body.[5] Additionally, assistance is provided by the National Adult Literacy Agency to adults who experience challenges with literacy due to dyslexia.[6] In 1993, it was described as "a policy making, planning, training and research body which has been instrumental in the development of an E.E.C. policy on measures to combat illiteracy in the European Community."[7]

NALA is registered as a lobbying body.[8] It is also membership-based, with a combined total of 2,315 individual and organisation/corporate members as of 2023.[9] Documents pertaining to NALA are stored in the National Library of Ireland.[10] According to NALA's website, its patron is President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.[11]

History

[edit]

The National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) was established in 1977, and its initial constitution was drafted in 1980. The National Association of Adult Education (Aontas) also played a major role in NALA's establishment. As described by the Adult Literacy Organisers Association (ALOA), through the founding of NALA, and its primary goal of fostering public understanding, the responsibilities of literacy providers broadened to satisfy the developmental requirements of the programme. These responsibilities encompassed duties such as promoting the service, handling inquiries, conducting student interviews and assessments, and coordinating meeting schedules and locations for students and tutors. It has been recounted that growing demand arose for the education of tutors, leading to the establishment of tutor training programmes that were designed in response to the specific needs of these students. Training programmes on this topic were continuously refined and enhanced as the service established itself and developed further.[12][13]

In 1979, NALA's chairperson was Des Swan, Professor of Education at University College Dublin (UCD). Speaking on the need for the creation of NALA, he stressed that those with literacy challenges were reduced to "social outcasts," and that their lives were at risk.[14] In October 1981, Prof. Swan, as a NALA representative, was appointed to a government commission on the creation of an adult education plan.[15] In November 1981, John Kennedy, by then chairperson of NALA, told the annual conference of the Vocational Principals' Association that approximately one fifth of the population faced literacy difficulties, and subsequently called for an alternative format of the conventional Leaving Cert to be established in secondary schools.[16]

In September 1985, NALA launched its first detailed policy paper, titled 'Guidelines for Good Adult Literacy Work.'[17] At NALA's 1987 conference, the board claimed that government cutbacks had undermined its projects.[18] In November 1988, a NALA reported published concluded that 250,000 people under the age of 25 couldn't read or write.[19] In 1989, at a seminar hosted by NALA on International Literacy Day, the organisation claimed that up to 10,000 people left second-level education every year without any qualification, and that only 1% of approximately 400,000 people with literacy difficulties received assistance.[20]

In April 1990, NALA launched a literacy charter at the beginning of the Irish Literacy Awareness Week, as part of UNESCO's International Literacy Year, 1990. It was unveiled by NALA's chairperson, Noel Dalton, and vice-chairperson, Sean Hegarty.[21][22] Activities and new programmes devised and co-ordinated by NALA and the Department of Education were showcased by then Minister for Education, Mary O'Rourke. Incumbent President of Ireland, Patrick Hillery, became a patron for the International Literacy Year.[23]

As of 1993, its chairperson was T. Downes.[7]

The book Ireland Today: Anatomy of a Changing State noted that, according to the National Adult Literacy Agency, ten to twenty percent of adolescents and young adults graduated from school with insufficient reading and writing abilities in 1995.[24] In 1997, then-Minister Willie O'Dea TD, on behalf of the Department of Education and Science, declared an additional allocation of £250,000 to supplement the existing £2 million budget for adult literacy courses. However, Inez Bailey, representing the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA), declared that this rise was insufficient, and highlighted a perceived lack of adequate funding. Furthermore, he claimed that there appeared to be "a gap between the minister's aspirations...and the actual funding that's being allocated."[25]

According to the 2003 edition of the Encyclopaedia of Ireland, the topic of literacy in Ireland sparked tension due to the country's poor performance in the International Adult Literacy Survey undertaken by the OECD in 1997. Nevertheless, the poll's method of measuring literacy had faced objections, specifically for its inability to capture the concept of 'illiteracy' as commonly understood, and for the challenges it presented in drawing accurate cross-cultural comparisons. The Government and NALA collaborated on a green paper about adult education, which highlighted the significance of literacy and underscored the necessity for the establishment of a thorough national literacy programme.[26] It has been suggested that, despite the efforts of the National Adult Literacy Agency and the Vocational Educational Committees (VECs) to tackle this issue at an adult level, it continued to emanate from secondary level educational institutions, wrote Olivia O'Leary in the 2004 book, Politicians & Other Animals.[27]

In 2007, NALA produced an eight part documentary series, which was scheduled to be broadcast on RTÉ in 2008.[28] Titled Written Off?, a second series was also commissioned for broadcast in 2009.[29] On this occassion, the series consisted of six episodes, broadcast on RTÉ 1.[30]

A 2010 speech by then President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, commemorating the 30th anniversary of NALA, appears in the book Building Bridges: Selected Speeches and Statements.[31]

According to the National Built Heritage Service, it was headquartered at 76 Gardiner Street Lower, Dublin City, as of 2011.[32]

In 2013, the National Adult Literacy Agency initiated a campaign by airing television advertising designed to inspire individuals to confront and address their literacy challenges. An Post subsidised the advertisements, which used the testimonials of previous pupils to highlight the benefits of resuming education. The advertising encouraged individuals to reach out to NALA's confidential freephone and freetext lines.[33]

In the 2010s, NALA, in conjunction with MSD, developed the first health literacy quality mark, which it awarded to Irish pharmacies and healthcare practices.[34][35][36][37][38]

In March 2020, the charity introduced a virtual learning platform designed exclusively for adult learners in Ireland. The platform emphasises literacy, numeracy, and digital learning, providing older learners with an opportunity to enhance their abilities and get a certificate. The Irish Times reported in June 2024 that over 10,000 individuals had registered with NALA since the introduction of virtual learning. The majority of individuals were in the 35-45 age bracket, with a greater number of male participants than female participants. According to a survey, around 31 percent of the individuals were migrants. NALA highlighted many vulnerable populations, including migrants, those with disabilities, and lone parents, who have been significantly impacted by the absence of learning. These demographics were reportedly achieving eligibility for personal and professional advancement.[39]

In July 2020, the National Adult Literacy Agency released three papers that focused on research findings regarding adult literacy, recommendations for addressing adult literacy, and criticisms of present practices for their inadequacy. NALA requested that the nine government ministries responsible for adult reading, numeracy, and digital skills collaborate in developing a "cross-departmental approach." NALA expressed the view that implementing this in Ireland would be highly feasible, and referenced the Netherlands as a nation that succeeded in establishing a comparable system.[40]

In September 2020, a fresh initiative for reading, numeracy, and digital skills was proposed by Simon Harris, the then-minister for higher education, and accepted by the government. He also mentioned that interested parties, such as NALA, would be consulted regarding the next course of action. RTÉ News reported that the National Adult Literacy Agency applauded the project.[41]

To celebrate NALA's fortieth anniversary, in October 2020, a book titled Voices was published. It was a compilation of concise narratives and analytical compositions authored by 27 individuals from Ireland. It was specifically designed for adult readers who encounter challenges in the act of reading. The editing was performed by Patricia Scanlan, one of Ireland's most renowned novelists. It featured contributions from Christine Dwyer Hickey, Deirdre Purcell, Graham Norton, Blindboy Boatclub and Roddy Doyle.[42] It was primarily financed by the Department of Rural and Community Development, and the Department of Further and Higher Education.[43]

In 2021, NALA declared that an increase of 1,000 communications to its helpline during 2020, a 44% rise over the same space of time in the year preceding. They stated that this rise had been an outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic.[44] The Irish Government launched the 'Climate Jargon Buster' website in 2021, which was given the 'plain English' mark ahead of its launch by NALA.[45]

The study report 'Financial Literacy in Ireland: Challenges and Solutions' was issued by the National Adult Literacy Agency in December 2022. NALA urged government agencies and financial institutions to adopt a variety of suggestions from the study in order to facilitate people's utilisation of necessary services and foster a more equitable society. EU Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability and the Capital Markets Union, Mairead McGuinness, presented the study report at Europa House, in Dublin City.[46]

As of 2022, NALA was involved in the 'Ireland Reads' initiative, which is a public libraries partnership with with booksellers, publishers, the National Adult Literacy Agency, Children's Books Ireland, the Arts Council and Healthy Ireland.[47] NALA also launched an 'e-learning' website in 2022.[48] As of 2022, the Parole Board in Ireland developed its written submissions in conjunction with NALA, which are composed in plain English.[49]

During the beginning of 2023, Carlow County Council were given a total of 30 housing applications in one month, however, only one of them was considered valid. This was attributed to errors on the completed forms. Brian O'Donovan, a senior executive officer, disclosed the number at a Carlow Municipal District meeting. O'Donovan showed that the housing application form utilised was sanctioned by NALA and satisfied the criteria for being straightforward to understand.[50]

For Health Literacy Month, in October 2023, NALA detailed in a document that, being in a position to substantially handle various life domains doesn't necessarily protect individuals obstacles in health literacy. It asserted that those who manage the many features of day-to-day living regard knowledge surrounding healthcare difficult to obtain, process or apply.[51]

As per its 2024 annual report, NALA possessed an aggregate 2,315 individual and organisation/corporate members at the end of 2023.[9]

It was described in a book, published by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education, that the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) facilitated learner representation in tandem with numerous municipal literacy initiatives in Ireland. During the development of NALA's quality structure, a significant amount of students and instructors provided sizeable feedback, demonstrating active learner participation. Literacy initiatives were intended to use the NALA quality framework to methodically evaluate their own method of operation, identify areas for improvement, and then relate it to the framework. It was purposefully structured to foster engagement and participation from various stakeholders, with the aim of continuously enhancing quality.[52]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board - Annual Report 2018. Oireachtas.ie
  2. ^ NALA: A Living History (2020)
  3. ^ Clancy, Paula (2006). Outsourcing government : public bodies and accountability. Dublin: Tasc at New Island. ISBN 978-1-905494-26-2.
  4. ^ "What's it like to work in. . . The National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA)?". The Irish Times. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
  5. ^ Oireachtas, Houses of the (2004-02-19). "Written Answers – Dáil Éireann (29th Dáil) – Thursday, 19 Feb 2004 – Houses of the Oireachtas". www.oireachtas.ie. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
  6. ^ Ball, M. (Mary) (2007). Dyslexia : an Irish perspective. Dublin : Blackhall Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84218-095-2.
  7. ^ a b North-South Directory: A Comparative Directory of Organisations in Ireland, North and South. Dublin ; Belfast: Co-operation North. 1993. ISBN 978-0-948297-05-2.
  8. ^ "Lobbying Organisation | Lobbying.ie". www.lobbying.ie. Retrieved 2024-05-26.
  9. ^ a b National Adult Literacy Agency Annual Report 2023. nala.ie (2024).
  10. ^ "NALA". catalogue.nli.ie. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
  11. ^ "About us". NALA. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
  12. ^ http://www.aloa.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/A-Short-History-of-the-Adult-Literacy-Service-and-ALOA-4.pdf A Short History of the Adult Literacy Service and The Foundation of the Adult Literacy Organisers Association (2019)
  13. ^ O'Kiersey, Niamh (4 October 1979). "A Personal Problem". Evening Press. p. 10.
  14. ^ Walshe, John (15 October 1979). "Adult illiterates' lives are at risk". Irish Independent. p. 7.
  15. ^ "Education commission set up". Irish Examiner. 30 October 1981. p. 4.
  16. ^ "One in five illiterate, says John Kennedy". Irish Examiner. 13 November 1981. p. 20.
  17. ^ "National Adult Literacy Agency". Anglo-Celt. 29 August 1985. p. 3.
  18. ^ "Adult Literacy Conference". RTÉ Archives. Retrieved 2024-10-28.
  19. ^ "Problem Of Illiteracy In Ireland". RTÉ Archives. Retrieved 2024-10-28.
  20. ^ "Seminar On Illiteracy". RTÉ Archives. Retrieved 2024-10-28.
  21. ^ O'Connell, Mark (21 April 1990). "Tackle Literacy Crisis Now Call". Irish Press. p. 2.
  22. ^ "Pictures". Evening Press. 21 April 1990. p. 7.
  23. ^ "Education minister to launch Literacy Awareness Week". Offaly Independent. 20 April 1990. p. 1.
  24. ^ Hussey, Gemma (1995). Ireland today. Harmondsworth: Penguin Books. ISBN 978-0-14-015761-1.
  25. ^ "Adult Literacy In Ireland". RTÉ Archives. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
  26. ^ The Encyclopaedia of Ireland. New Haven: Yale University Press. 2003. ISBN 978-0-300-09442-8.
  27. ^ O'Leary, Olivia (2004). Politicians and other animals. Dulbin: O'Brien. ISBN 978-0-86278-880-3.
  28. ^ "TV Documentary Adult Literacy". Kilkenny People. 22 June 2007. p. 26.
  29. ^ "VEC Employee Set for Seoige Show". Leinster Express. 22 October 2008. p. 15.
  30. ^ "Written Off? Back for Second Series". Leinster Express. 1 April 2009. p. 46.
  31. ^ McAleese, Mary (2011). Building bridges : selected speeches and statements. Dublin: History Press Ireland. ISBN 978-1-84588-724-7.
  32. ^ FUSIO. "National Adult Literacy Agency, 76 Gardiner Street Lower, Dublin 1, DUBLIN". Buildings of Ireland. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
  33. ^ "TV Literacy Campaign Launched". Southern Star. 12 January 2013. p. 6.
  34. ^ Mudiwa, Lloyd (2014-06-13). "The benefits of health literacy are Crystal Clear". Irish Medical Times. Retrieved 2024-04-26.
  35. ^ "Ballinrobe pharmacy awarded health literacy quality mark by MSD and the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA)". Mayo Advertiser. 2016-01-22. Retrieved 2024-04-26.
  36. ^ "Nenagh chemist Anna Kelly wins health literarcy award". www.tipperarylive.ie. 4 March 2016. Retrieved 2024-04-26.
  37. ^ "Crystal Clear Mark for The Palms GP Surgery". Irish Independent. 2016-07-22. Retrieved 2024-04-26.
  38. ^ "Combatting low health literacy that's affecting a quarter of Irish people". The Irish Times. Retrieved 2024-04-26.
  39. ^ "'This got my life back on track': How adult learners are upskilling themselves through Nala". The Irish Times. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
  40. ^ Aodha, Gráinne Ní (2020-07-22). "Cross-department approach could help tackle Ireland's rate of illiteracy - report". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
  41. ^ Kenny, Aisling (2020-09-08). "Calls for end to Convention Centre Dáil sittings". RTE.
  42. ^ "Read a short story by Cork-reared designer Louise Kennedy in new book". Echo Live. 2020-10-16. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
  43. ^ "Top Irish authors contribute to new book to help adult literacy". The Irish Times. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
  44. ^ "Calls to literacy support agency saw 44% increase during pandemic". BreakingNews.ie. 2021-04-24. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
  45. ^ "Government publishes new Climate Jargon Buster Website". merrionstreet.ie. Retrieved 2024-04-26.
  46. ^ Noonan, Rory (20 December 2022). "Research shows many people are struggling to understand and access financial services". Evening Echo.
  47. ^ https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/travel-books-flying-off-library-shelves-for-post-covid-holidays-1264062.html Travel books 'flying off' library shelves for post-Covid holidays. (2022).
  48. ^ "Adult Literacy Agency Launches New Website". Northern Standard. p. 5.
  49. ^ Oireachtas, Houses of the (2022-12-06). "Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions – Dáil Éireann (33rd Dáil) – Tuesday, 6 Dec 2022 – Houses of the Oireachtas". www.oireachtas.ie. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
  50. ^ Pender, Suzanne (7 February 2023). "Housing applications fail due to errors on form". Nationalist and Leinster Times. p. 12.
  51. ^ O'Driscoll, Dr. Michelle (27 September 2023). "Raising awareness surrounding Health Literacy". Evening Echo. p. 11.
  52. ^ Pam Coare; Rennie Johnston (2003). Adult Learning, Citizenship, and Community Voices: Exploring Community-Based Practice. National Institute of Adult Continuing Education.
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