Funding allocated to literacy needs in Cavan and Monaghan

The focus is on helping organisations and services to become more literacy friendly.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Patrick O’Donovan has announced a funding allocation of more than €40,000 for innovative projects in Cavan and Monaghan that support adults with unmet literacy needs.

The announcement was made this morning an includes projects that focus on introduction to AI; help with buying GAA tickets online; and family literacy adventures. “I am delighted to see funding awarded to these innovative projects and partnerships in Cavan and Monaghan that are supporting adults to access the vital literacy services they need, helping us to work towards a more inclusive and equal society in Ireland,” the Minister added.

“The fund is helping organisations and services to be more literacy friendly and accessible to adults with unmet needs. The innovation and diversity shown by these projects is fantastic to see and highlights the importance of having fun through learning, whether that is through music, arts, or comedy. This creative approach will help to reach communities such as older adults, members of the Traveller community, or persons experiencing addiction.”

Meanwhile, the Collaboration and Innovation Fund was launched in April 2023 and is part of the Adult Literacy for Life Strategy, which is focused on ensuring that everyone has the literacy skills that they need, and that literacy is valued and supported at every level of Irish society.

Yvonne McKenna, Director of Adult Literacy for Life in SOLAS added: “The ALL Collaboration and Innovation Fund, now in its second year, is supporting the delivery of a wide range of important literacy programmes that are supporting adults in Ireland to address their literacy needs.

“Literacy needs are greater than many people realise, in Ireland, one in six adults has unmet literacy needs which can affect their everyday lives – this includes being unable to fill in a form, understand health information, help kids with homework or use the internet. These projects are helping adults across Ireland to build their confidence with literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills.

“The initiatives also demonstrate the importance of cross-community collaboration at local level. This funding will help a range of learners including older adults, Travellers, migrants, lone parents, and early school leavers gain access to key supports to benefit their needs to participate more fully in society.”