Dundalk's Adult Learning Service celebrates Intercultural Day

The atmosphere was incredible in LMETB Adult Learning Service (ALS), Dundalk on the 28th of May, as the centre in Chapel Street turned into a celebration of culture, music, food, dance, traditional costumes and a coming together of learners from Ireland and over 25 other countries around the world.

The programme of events included the following: traditional Irish music and dance, a selection of interactive quizzes using our touchscreen computers and a games room with a range of card, board and traditional games like marbles drafts and a Camogie demonstration.

The Irish workshop provided by Seán Ó Murchadha from Conradh na Gaeilge was hugely successful showing great interest in learning a few words of Irish. Learners got to practice a few basic Irish phrases which was great fun.

The music room was lively all morning. Deirdre Ni BhuachallA, Music Generation Louth, gave a demonstration of the Harp, accompanied by her colleague from the Irish Traditional group in Dundalk Eamon Matthews on the mandolin .

Learners were delighted to hear some traditional music and were enthralled with the beautiful sound of the instruments. Ukrainian learners gave a beautiful traditional folk song which was very moving.

They then had a drumming workshop facilitated by Eamonn Cagney. It was clear how music and dance unites people across cultures. Learners were also taught a few steps of Irish dancing by Deirdre; all learnt a few steps and there was great laughter and fun in the process.

The Adult Literacy Organiser, Kinga Byrne said: “We wanted to showcase the diversity and inclusion that is reflected in the service and give our learners an opportunity to celebrate together.”

She went on to say how delighted she was with the way both staff and learners had embraced this celebration, “the work on display around the building reflects the quality of the work that takes place in our classrooms.”

The building was decorated in bunting from flags around the world. The learners had written pieces about their country culture and favourite things and these pieces of writing were read throughout the morning by all visitors.

Kinga went on to say how delighted she was that the event was now in its third year.

“The Intercultural day is now an integral part of our calendar and we look forward to 2025 being another successful celebration of how much we all learn from each other.”

The measure of the event's success was that everyone stayed for three hours and all the workshops were packed to capacity.
LMETB Adult Education Officer, Claire O’Boyle said: “I was particularly impressed with the effort that learners had made to dress in traditional costume which added greatly to the atmosphere on the day.

"The variety of food on offer was amazing and learners brought their favourite dishes from around the world.

“The event clearly reflects the diversity and welcoming ethos in the ALS in Dundalk. I was delighted to attend and congratulate the learners and staff on celebrating so many cultures. The event was a true example of diversity and integration at its best.”

A great day was had by all, and we look forward to this event again next year.

LMETB Adult Learning Service provides a range of free education options such as literacy, numeracy, digital literacy and English for Speakers of Other Languages classes.

Anyone interested in joining classes to call into the centre Adult Learning Service Dundalk, LMETB, Continuing Education Centre, Chapel Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth, A91 E0AW or call us on (042) 9353591.