A public information campaign that helps people who have difficulty with reading, writing, maths or technology, was launched today. The radio and video advertising campaign is called Take the first step and features the stories of several people who have struggled with literacy and numeracy difficulties throughout their lives. Each person’s story focuses on the benefits of returning to education with the aim of encouraging others to reap the rewards by doing the same. Watch the a video of local man below which explains how returning to education changed his life.

“Often people who return to education say the hardest part was making the first call or taking the first step into an ETB Adult Education Centre. The aim of this campaign is to encourage people to take the first step to get the help they need. We want people to know they are not alone and there are lots of options to suit their needs,” said Inez Bailey, NALA CEO.

Journalist Charlie Bird and author Sinead Moriarty will officially launch the campaign ahead of a conference to mark International Literacy Day in Dublin this Friday.

“Taking that first step or making that first phone call can indeed be the hardest part for people returning to education. By contacting their local Education and Training Board (ETB) they will meet trained staff in a safe environment who understand how difficult it is.  I would encourage people to pick up the phone or call into their local ETB as the first step in transforming their lives,” said Siobhan McEntee ETBI Further Education and Training Enhancement Coordinator .

For further information, please contact your local
Tipperary ETB Adult Learning Service: