PHOTOS: LMETB Adult Learning Service Awards Night in Dundalk

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The Fairways Hotel in Dundalk was the scene on 6 December for this year's awards ceremony for the LMETB Adult Learning Service.

The occasion marked the achievements of over 150 learners who gathered with their peers and families to celebrate. LMETB says that the classes have been growing so much as the result of the many new learners from Ukraine, and other countries, that the celebrations are increasing in size year on year.

The event was opened by Kinga Byrne, Adult Literacy Organiser for the Centre in Dundalk. She congratulated all the learners on their achievement and thanked staff whose inspirational work made it possible for learners to achieve their certification. She encouraged learners to tell their families and friends about the service which is free and easy to access.

The speeches on the night included a few words from former learners from the service.

The first learner, Inna Skvarchynska represented her peers from Ukraine and spoke with great power about how language helps someone find their place in a new country.

She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to improve her English which, she says, has helped her to fit into her new adopted country. LMETB says Inna Skvarchynska, “spoke eloquently and is a credit to herself in what she has achieved in such a short period of time”.

Eugene (Gino) Farrell was the second speaker of the night, he outlined his journey from early school leaving at 14, attendance at Youthreach in Dundalk at 16, and then returning to learning as an Adult in Adult Learning Service where he completed a level 3 accredited course.

He thanked the Adult Learning Service for all their support and received a huge round of applause for his outstanding achievement as he prepares for his leaving certificate this summer.

Then came the major event of the evening where the certificates were presented by guest speaker Claire O’Boyle, the Adult Education Officer for LMETB. Before the presentation Claire spoke of her pride about being at the event to celebrate the learners outstanding achievements with them.

She started by complementing all the learners on how well they looked as they had all made great efforts to dress up showing the importance they attached to their awards. The room was vibrant and colorful reflecting the diversity of LMETB's learners.

She said “it is important to thank the families, friends and tutors who have supported the learners on their learning journey “. She finished with a very inspirational quote from Nelson Mandela “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

The learners received their certificates, supported by all present, and the atmosphere was filled with pride and joy and lots of very special photographs.

On completion of the formal part of the evening tutors and learners got to mingle and share some lovely food together. LMETB says that it was “a fantastic evening for all present. We look forward to our next awards night, but this evening was a very special end to 2023.”

Below: Claire O'Boyle LMETB, Oleksndr Skliar and Kinga Byrne LMETB