TUTOR TRAINING

LITERACY WORK IN CO KILKENNY

Pre 1985
Prior to 1985 literacy work in Co Kilkenny was organised jointly by the Diocese and Co
Kilkenny VEC on an ad hoc basis offering a very limited service. By 1980 the service
had become defunct.
1985 on
In 1985 funds became available through the Adult Literacy and Community
Education budget.
A tutor training course for volunteer tutors was delivered.
A part time literacy organiser appointed and the process of matching learners
and tutors began.
In 1987 the scheme adopted its name WORD AID.
From the early 90s the scheme operated from Desart Hall moving to Ormonde
Road in 1999 and then to Butler Court in 2002.
Our current premises are at 43 Patrick Street. We also have use of 42, next
door. Hours are 9-5 Monday to Friday.
NALA/WIT Tutor Accreditation
NALA and Waterford Institute of Technology offer a modular course in Humanities in
Adult and Community Education. Entry on this course is for part time tutors.
CURRENT SITUATION
Classes take place on a needs basis at 42/43 Patrick Street, centres in city environs
and around the county. Currently we have over 1,000 learners and tuition is 1:1 and
small/larger groups. All volunteer tutors are expected to give a minimum of 30 hours
tutoring on a 1:1 basis.
Accreditation for learners is offered from level 1-3 for minor and/or major awards
and we also provide for a small number of level 4 programmes.
Computer Classes are offered in the city and throughout the county.
Return to Education programmes running in the city, Goresbridge and Clogh.
Traveller programmes (including onsite) for driver theory test and Primary
Healthcare employees.
Family Learning at Ferrybank.
Tuition at IWA and The Watergarden/Camphill.
English Language for refugees/asylum seekers, migrant workers, other non
nationals.
ITABE (Intensive tuition in adult basic education) Offering 6 hours tuition a
week.
Inter Agency Programme for parents/prime carers from disadvantaged areas
of the city.
Skills for Work Programme where employees are released to up-skill, usually
for computer.