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The Power Project

Digital Cafe drop-in service for Ukrainian and International Protection Applicants.

Laptop in classroom.

"I found these classes/services to be most helpful in the manipulation of mobile telephones, in particular. Let me add that since I recently purchased a new computer with Windows 11, a tutor was a great help in being able to solve all my problems with this new software.”- Learner

This project provided a digital drop-in service for people from Ukrainian and International Protection Applicant (IPA) backgrounds. It helped learners to build their digital skills and encouraged them to participate in cultural outings that improve communications skills. 

This project took place in Trim Library, Trim Family Resource Centre Office, Ballivor Library, and Enfield Library between August and December 2024.  

106 people used the service. Members of the community would drop in and get their queries answered in a one-to-one setting. No booking or registration was required. 

Common queries included: 

  • how to send an email with attachments  

  • setting up email managers like Outlook  

  • setting up Revolut and online banking 

  • booking flights and holidays 

  • updating and adding new information to CVs 

  • filling out and sending forms to get medical card or passports 

  • resetting and changing passwords 

  • moving data from one device to another  

  • understanding Google Drive, OneDrive and iCloud 

  • using Revolut, Microsoft Word, and online banking, and 

  • how to make online purchases. 

Learners also took part in events where they familiarised themselves with local heritage and built bonds in their local communities. 

This project addressed digital literacy gaps in the community. One to one sessions provided an open and informal learning environment, which made the drop-in service very popular.  

Informal learning settings like drop-in hubs ensure that learners improve their English skills and develop new connections. 

Individuals came away with more confidence and a good understanding of what they can use their devices for. They also became more curious about what else they could do.

Local heritage visit.

This project was a collaboration between Trim Family Resource Centre and Meath County Council Library Service.

For more information about the project, please contact Niamh McShane, Regional Literacy Coordinator in Louth and Meath ETB, at nmcshane@lmetb.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.