LMETB Adult Learning Service awards ceremony

The Fairways Hotel was the location for this year's awards ceremony for the LMETB Adult Learning Service in Dundalk.

The occasion marked the achievements of over 100 learners who gathered with their peers and families to celebrate.

The event was opened by Kinga Byrne, Adult Literacy Organizer for the LMETB Adult Learning Service in Dundalk.

She thanked the learners and their guests for coming to receive the recognition for all their hard work.

She also read out the names of all the tutors and support staff in the centre and emphasised that without their commitment and dedication to teaching their learners these evenings would not be possible.

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The speeches on the night included a few words from Saif Jamal, former learner from the service. He told the audience of his journey through the service which brought him from no English to L3 written and spoken English.

He spoke warmly of the importance of his tutor Deirdre on his journey and how his command of the language has helped him greatly to integrate into his new home. He now has employment which would not have been a possibility for him when he first arrived.

The audience warmly applauded his description of his journey and his achievements.

The second speaker, Julie O’Brien spoke of the difference in her early days at school to her time in the Adult Learning Service.

Like many adult learners she said she did not enjoy school. She returned to education to support her children and be a positive role model for them in terms of achievement.

She said how she loved coming to classes and has made lifelong friendships since she started three years ago.

Julie has progressed from a level 2 to level 3 course and is also now taking a computer class.

She sometimes finds the work challenging but says the tutors and peer support in the classes means the atmosphere is always fun and positive and she has boosted her self-confidence greatly since she started.

Angela Cahill who is a long-serving manager in the LMETB Adult Education, then spoke of the amazing achievements of all the learners and how support from family and or friends makes a huge difference to the quality of learning.

Juggling all commitments to achieve your goals is to be celebrated. She thanked Kinga Byrne, as the Adult Literacy Organiser she leads from the front with her dedication and commitment to improve the opportunities for learners, this is clear in the service offered in Dundalk ALS.

Then came the major event of the evening, the certificates were presented by Kinga Byrne.

The excitement in the room was palpable as friends, family and learners prepared for their big moment.

Everyone had dressed up for the evening for the all-important certificate presentation and a special photograph to remind them of the moment.

The learners received their certificates supported by all present and the atmosphere was filled with pride and joy.

On completion of the formal part of the evening tutors and learners and guests got to mingle and chat about their achievement. and of course, share some lovely food together. It was a fantastic evening for all present.