People with unmet literacy needs encouraged to avail of free services

THE Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is encouraging people with unmet literacy needs in Mayo, Leitrim and Sligo to avail of free literacy services.

Minister Simon Harris recently published an Adult Literacy for Life 10-year adult literacy, numeracy and digital literacy strategy.

The strategy aims to ensure that every adult has the necessary literacy, numeracy and digital literacy to fully engage in society and realise their potential.

Speaking today, Minister Harris said: “This campaign is about reaching out to our fellow citizens, many of whom feel like they have been left behind as the country surges into a technologically complex century.

“We might consider ourselves a modern and educated society, but there are still far too many who feel isolated, and too many who do not know how to learn these vital skills.

“It is not right that there are people in every county, including Mayo, Leitrim and Sligo, who dread having to check a bill, read a medical document, go online to access a service, or even send a message over WhatsApp. It is simply not right that too many of these people are afraid to ask for help.

“With this campaign, we are determined to address these problems head on and make Ireland a more inclusive, equitable and, ultimately, a kinder society for everyone.”

The strategy makes a number of commitments including:

• Increasing in the number of learners engaging with literacy and language support by 20,000 by expanding the range of courses available over the first half of the strategy’s lifetime;

• Reduce the number of people adults in Ireland with unmet literacy needs, from 18% to 7%.

• Reduce the number of adults in Ireland with unmet numeracy needs from 25% to 12%;

• Reduce the share of adults in Ireland without basic digital skills from 47% to 20%.

There is a range of services available in the county through the Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education and Training Board, with adult education providers in Mayo in Ballyhaunis, Achill, Westport, Castlebar, Belmullet and Ballina.

Said Minister Harris: “All you have to do is either phone of drop into your local Education and Training Board, or freephone the National Adult Literacy Agency on 1800 20 20 65.

“Phone lines are open 9.30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday to Friday or text: ‘LEARN’ to 50050 and they will call you back.”

For more information on Adult Literacy For Life, please go to https://www.adultliteracyforlife.ie/.