Colleen Dube
Chief Executive Officer, National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA)
Discover ways to improve adult literacy, numeracy and digital skills in Ireland. Bridge the digital divide and empower learners through policy.
The National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) is a registered charity and membership-based organisation. Our vision is an Ireland where adult literacy is a human right; where everyone can develop their literacy, numeracy and digital skills and where individuals can take part fully in society.
Improving basic digital skills nationally
In 2020, Cedefop, the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, noted that 38% of Irish adults do not have basic digital skills. This means that a significant portion of Irish adults do not have the necessary digital skills to carry out everyday tasks, such as online banking or booking tickets.
This skills gap has been noted in government strategies such as the Adult Literacy for Life Strategy (2021) and the Harnessing Digital Strategy (2022), which aims to increase basic digital skills so that at least 80% of the Irish adult population will have them by 2030.
Our vision is an Ireland where
adult literacy is a human right.
Website enhances digital literacy
With funding from SOLAS and the Adult Literacy for Life Strategy, NALA is working to bridge this digital skills gap. In our policy submissions, we have advocated that digital engagement should not be the only mode of service delivery. We have also recommended in our general election asks that Ireland adopt the European Digital Competence Framework for Citizens (DigComp) to ensure all Irish citizens have the relevant confidence and capabilities in digital skills.
We also develop, deliver and disseminate publications and training to enhance digital and media literacy among learners and educators. In March 2020, we launched a new eLearning website, Learn with NALA, with 43 online courses in literacy, numeracy and digital literacy at levels 1 to 3 on Ireland’s National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). The platform’s design allows learners to develop their digital skills while learning a specific subject.
Find out more at www.nala.ie; www.learnwithnala.ie
