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
PHOTOS: LMETB Adult Learning Service Awards Night in Dundalk
