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EnglishWhat is NALA.ie and what does the National Adult Literacy Agency offer?
Updated
NALA.ie is the website of the National Adult Literacy Agency, a charity focused on making sure people with unmet literacy and numeracy needs can access learning opportunities and take a full part in society. It is relevant to you if you are an adult who wants to improve reading, writing, maths or digital skills, or if you support someone who does — as a tutor, employer, health worker or family member. The site is organised around four main areas: Free Courses, Tutors, Services and Research.
Who NALA is for
NALA describes its purpose as helping people with unmet literacy and numeracy needs. In practice, that covers:
- Adults who want to build confidence with reading, writing, numeracy or everyday literacy tasks.
- People who want to learn in a way that fits their life, rather than a school-style setting.
- Tutors and teachers looking for teaching resources, student workbooks and professional development.
- Organisations — health services, workplaces and further education — that want to make their communication clearer.
What you can find on the site
Free courses
The site lists free courses under "Free courses" and "Learn with NALA". This is the starting point if you want to learn directly rather than browse resources. The site also shows a Freephone number (1800 20 20 65) for people who prefer to ask by phone.
Tutor services and teaching resources
Under "Tutors", NALA gathers:
- A resources hub
- Student workbooks
- Teaching guidelines
- Professional development
- Help with teaching and getting started as a tutor
- Training events
This section suits you if you are teaching or supporting an adult learner and need ready-made material rather than a course of your own.
Services
The "Services" section covers several distinct strands:
| Service | What it addresses |
|---|---|
| Plain English | Tips, editing and training services, and the Plain English Mark |
| Literacy awareness | General awareness of literacy needs |
| Health literacy | Health sector services and health literacy tips for the public |
| Family literacy | Literacy support in a family context |
| Integrating literacy in further education | Embedding literacy in FE teaching |
| Financial literacy | Money-related literacy skills |
| Workplace basic education | Literacy learning in the workplace |
If your interest is clearer communication rather than learning yourself, the Plain English editing and training services and the Plain English Mark are the most directly relevant parts.
Research and policy
The "Research" area includes access to public services, education and training policy, health literacy, literacy and employment, NALA's policy submissions, research reports and data on literacy in Ireland. This is where to look if you need evidence, policy positions or national figures rather than learning materials.
Other things on the site
- Membership — the sign-in page notes you can "Become a member today", so some parts of the site are tied to an account. The page evidence does not state what membership costs or what it unlocks.
- Donate — NALA presents itself as a charity and accepts donations.
- Student information, upcoming events and work with us are also listed.
How to decide if it fits you
- If you want to improve your own literacy or numeracy: start with the free courses or call the Freephone number.
- If you teach or support an adult learner: go to the tutor services and resources hub.
- If you run a service, workplace or health setting: look at Plain English, health literacy and workplace basic education.
- If you need data or policy background: use the research and policy section.
One limit worth noting: the page evidence shows the structure and labels of the site, but not prices, course lengths or eligibility rules. Those details are not confirmed here, so check the individual course or service page before relying on them.