Literacy Connect
Improving literacy among marginalized communities through horticulture, cooking, and technology.
)
"The Cookery course was amazing from start to finish. Great new recipes every week that can easily be used in busy households, great to get out and meet new people and neighbours and bond over our shared interests, all the while hearing about bygone traditions. Our tutor Joanne was amazing, so organised and always ready to answer all our crazy questions!’ - Learner
This project aimed to bring together marginalised groups to engage and participate in literacy in a social and inclusive environment. It also provided a networking opportunity for teachers, personal assistants, and healthcare workers to collaborate and deliver an engaging programme.
The project was delivered across three programmes:
‘Horticulture’ (Literacy through planting) was delivered over six weeks at two hours per week in Boher Community Outdoor Geodome and Hall.
‘Cookery’ (Literacy through cooking) was delivered across six weeks at two hours per week in Killaloe Ballina Community and Family Resource Centre.
‘Introduction to Computers’ (Digital Literacy Skills) was delivered over six weeks at two hours per week in Boher Broadband Connection Point (BCP).
Learners acquired new skills and improved their confidence. They also developed social skills and discovered new services or amenities available to them.
Learners became more health conscious through their engagement with horticulture and cookery. They also developed an awareness for climate action, planting for biodiversity, and food waste.
)
Learners attending a horticulture class.
"Really enjoyed my computer course, it helped me with basic skills that I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do before. Our tutor Úna was very patient and made us feel like no question was a silly one.”- Learner
This project was a collaboration between Boher Community Development Group and Killaloe Ballina Community and Family Resource Centre.
For more information about the project, please contact Ester Mackey, Regional Literacy Coordinator at Tipperary ETB, emackey@tipperaryetb.ie
The Adult Literacy for Life Collaboration and Innovation Fund
The Collaboration and Innovation Fund supports projects for adults with unmet literacy, numeracy and digital literacy needs and projects that support organisations to be literacy friendly. The closing date for 2024 applications has now passed but keep an eye out for information on our 2025 fund which will be launched in December.
)
)