Donegal ETB has just announced the appointment of an Adult Literacy Organiser.
Adele McElhinney, who will also have initial responsibility for coordinating regional literacy, will join the Further Education and Training (FET) Service.
Adele McElhinnney ETB
The new post has been created by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in response to the launch earlier this year of Adult Literacy for Life (ALL), the national ten year adult literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy strategy.
The role will enhance Donegal ETB’s responsive approach of offering increased learning and support opportunities for a rapidly changing world.
“This will be accomplished by harnessing the resources already in place to help adult literacy, numeracy and digital literacy and make it easier for those with unmet literacy needs to take the next step,” a spokesperson said.
Originally from Donegal town, Adele has worked with Donegal ETB as an Adult Literacy Organiser in South Donegal since 2005.
Prior to this she was a tutor with the ETB’s FET Service teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Information Technology and Skills for Work courses.
Speaking about her new appointment, she said, “I am passionate about helping adults to reach their full potential in accessing FET programmes, no matter what their starting point is.
“This post will build a coalition from representatives across all sectors to develop a literacy action plan for the county.
“I’m excited to build this network and look forward to meeting new communities to ensure everyone has the opportunity to build their skills in literacy, numeracy and their digital capabilities.”
In congratulating Adele on her appointment, Donegal ETB’s Director of Further Education and Training Ciaran O’Brien said this role is a key component of the national Adult Literacy for Life Strategy.
“Based within Donegal ETB’s FET Service, Adele will focus on working with stakeholders at a local level, as well as colleagues across the education, health, community development and local government supports and services to embed a systems-based approach to addressing unmet literacy needs.”
Adele takes up her appointment in October and will be based in Donegal ETB’s Training Centre in Ballyraine, Letterkenny. She can be contacted at the centre by calling 074 91 20500 or emailing adelemcelhinney@donegaletb.ie
