New campaign encourages Irish adults to improve their reading, writing and maths skills
21 September 2009
Developed in association with the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA), the literacy awareness drive will see An Post staff delivering information leaflets to over 65,000 homes across the country.
The direct mailing campaign follows hot on the heels of An Post’s hugely successful TV and radio advertising campaign, which resulted in over 10,000 people contacting NALA for help with reading and writing. The mailing marks the beginning of National Adult Literacy Awareness Week 2009 from 21 to 25 September.
Speaking at the GPO today, An Post Chief Executive, Donal Connell said “Since 2007, An Post has supported awareness of adult literacy in Ireland. We now look to our own business as an effective way of delivering the literacy message right to the front door of homes in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford, Meath and Longford. The medium of direct mail has proven to be an effective tool in triggering discussion of literacy issues among family members. The Take the first step leaflet provides valuable literacy information and encouragement which is relevant one in four Irish adults.”
Inez Bailey, Director, National Adult Literacy Agency, said “We welcome An Post’s continued commitment to the issue of literacy in Ireland. In a time when many people are being made redundant or are vulnerable in their jobs, adult literacy services have a unique part to play in assisting people develop their literacy and numeracy. We have no doubt that this direct mailing campaign will encourage people we could not reach before to contact local VEC adult literacy services.”
The Take the first step information leaflets contain course options and contact details for local VEC adult literacy services. There are courses from ‘complete beginners’ to ‘improvers’ in reading, writing, spelling, maths and computers.
Small group or one-to-one tuition is available in a friendly and relaxed environment. It is completely free and confidential. For more information, freephone NALA on 1800 20 20 65.
