Funding for Mayo project tackling literacy and numeracy needs
The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, has today announced the allocation of more than €13,000 to fund innovative projects across Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim that support adults with unmet literacy needs.
One of the projects receiving funding from SOLAS through the Collaboration and Innovation Fund is The Drive (Empowering Through Mobility), which helps adults overcome literacy barriers to successfully complete the driver theory test – an essential step for gaining and retaining employment.
Recognising that the online exam can be challenging due to English proficiency or general literacy issues, The Drive offers dedicated sessions and translators to ensure language isn't a barrier.
The project partners with the Social Inclusion Unit of Southwest Mayo Development Company to reach those most in need.
Minister of State Marian Harkin, who announced the funding along with Minister Lawless, commented: “I am delighted to see funding awarded to these innovative projects and partnerships in Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim that are supporting people to access the vital literacy services they need, helping us to work towards a more inclusive and equal society in Ireland. One in five adults in Ireland, aged between 16 and 65, are at or below Level 1 in literacy, meaning they struggle with reading and understanding everyday text.
“Initiatives such as the Collaboration and Innovation Fund provide critical investment to communities across Ireland, supporting projects and activities that enable adults to gain the necessary literacy, numeracy, digital skills and financial literacy they need to fully engage in society and realise their potential.”
Minister Lawless added: “Literacy is fundamental to both personal empowerment and economic participation. Our government and my department are committed to ensuring every adult has the opportunity to improve their literacy. This is evidenced and actioned through the Adult Literacy for Life strategy. The Collaboration and Innovation Fund is delivering partnerships that are helping to break down barriers and bring forward innovative, people-centered solutions to literacy challenges. The aim being to build a more inclusive, informed, and empowered society.”
The Collaboration and Innovation Fund is managed by the Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) National Programme Office in SOLAS. This year, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) contributed €250,000 towards a financial literacy strand of the Collaboration and Innovation Fund.
Speaking about the importance of the projects, Róisín Egan, Regional Literacy Coordinator at Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board, stated: “The National Adult Literacy for Life Strategy offers a clear roadmap to support adults with unmet literacy needs right across Ireland, including here in Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim. The ALL Collaboration and Innovation Fund helps communities like ours create real change at a local level. It brings together community partners across our region to deliver innovative solutions that drive positive literacy outcomes for people in our local area.
“I'm delighted to see these innovative projects receive support to help address literacy needs in Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim. I'm sure we'll see positive outcomes that help adults build confidence with literacy and participate more fully in our community.”
Yvonne McKenna, Director of Adult Literacy for Life in SOLAS, said: “The ALL Collaboration and Innovation Fund, now in its third year, is having a real impact at local level and making a difference in the lives of many people. The wide range and diversity of the projects it supports is inspiring to see. The projects are helping adults across Ireland to build their confidence with literacy, numeracy, digital skills, and financial literacy, and they demonstrate the importance of cross-community collaboration at local level.”