Fostering Inclusion

Updates from November 2023 Steering Group meeting

Active inclusion and community development have always been a central tenet of the work of ETBs and FET providers, with an extensive reach into and across local communities. FET balances the needs of skills for work with the just as critical skills for life through provision that supports citizenship and prosperity across communities and develops social capital. FET ensures that supports are available to allow any individual, regardless of background or formal education level, an opportunity to learn and develop. By pledging consistent levels of support and good practice for all learners; rooting FET in its communities; targeting and facilitating participation by the most marginalised groups in society; and tailoring literacy and numeracy resources to meet complex learner needs, a strong inclusive ethos will continue to underpin all FET.

The Fostering Inclusion Implementation Advisory Group will bring all key stakeholders around the table with a role in driving strategy delivery within this pillar to focus on implementation of the Fostering Inclusion action plan.​

Fostering Inclusion Workstream:

  • A national and regional awareness campaign to tie in with International Literacy Day took place in September and based around 30+ regional events (1,350 people engaged with).

  • An advertising campaign comprising radio, digital, VOD, social and outdoor was rolled out. Impressions: 345K (Meta), 322K (YouTube) and 422K (in-reads). 13 regional radio interviews were conducted by RLCs. 2m reach across press, radio and online.

  • The ALL office partnered with An Post, who ran a significant literacy campaign in September. ALL hosted a stand at the National Ploughing Championships, engaging with 580+ people. Evaluation and learnings will inform year end campaign.

  • The first meeting of the National Literacy Coalition took place in October representing 10 government departments, 4 state agencies, 3 NGOs and employers/trade unions.

  • Health sectoral lead has resulted in health literacy liaison group being established within Dept of Health and plans for the development of an action plan for 2024.

  • The plain language project was launched which will see introduction in plain language provided to 100+ staff working across government departments, agencies and public sector bodies and 30 relevant staff working in public services trained to become plain language editors.

  • The Learner Support Unit provided a briefing for DHFREIS in relation to the ongoing collaboration between FET and Down Syndrome Ireland and in particular the Latch-On Programme which supports learners with Down syndrome to continue their literacy and numeracy development in an age-appropriate, post-secondary school environment. Latch-On is provided by DSI through a number of ETBs.