Literacy Development Centre - Waterford Institute of TechnologyCork RoadWaterfordCo. WaterfordIrelandTel.: +353 (0)51-302834
Work environnment
The Literacy Development Centre is based in WIT and is a partnership between WIT and the National Adult Literacy Agency in Ireland. The Literacy Development Centre develops and delivers third level qualifications to adult literacy practitioners nationally. The Centre is also involved in research, policy input, partnerships at national and EU level.
The partnership was set up in 1997 following the publication of the International Adult Literacy Survey (OECD, 1997) which identified that one in four adults in Ireland had literacy difficulties. The need for professional development for those working with adult literacy learners was clearly identfied and the programmes were designed and developed in conjunction with stakeholders in the field. Today, programmes delivered by the Literacy Development Centre are recognised as the national qualifications required by those working in Adult Literacy in Ireland.
Waterford Institute of Technology
Aims, missions and objectives
The vision of the Literacy Development Centre is to be recognised as the leading provider of third level programmes to practitioners in the adult literacy field, as a significant contributor to academic research and to promote values that are learner centered and reflect social justice, equality and inclusion.
The Values that underpin the work of the Literacy Development Centre include equality, inclusiveness, independence, social justice, responsiveness and flexibility.
The five goals of the Literacy Development Centre are :
- Delivering nationally recognised qualifications
- Designing innovative, flexible programmes of learning
- Developing research capacity
- Building effective research partnerships Supporting team based collaboration
Structure of the institution
WIT is a national third level institution with almost 10,000 students. The College is based in the South East of Ireland and delivers programmes across a number of different city centre locations. The main campus is situated on the main Waterford to Cork road (see www.wit.ie for map).
Current work lines
WIT has six schools representing six faculties including Engineering, Science, Healthcare, Humanities, Business and Education.
The Literacy Development Centre delivers programmes across three levels from Higher Certificate to Honours Bachelor degree level.
Examples of achievement
The Literacy Development Centre has :
- Developed a suite of national programmes for adult literacy practitioners
- Contributed to the understanding and awareness of adult literacy in Ireland through its work with regional and national committees
- Demonstrated innovation and flexibility in working with national partners
- Successfully contributed to research in the field through national and EU projects
Staff
A full list of staff with photos is available on our web site at www.wit.ie/ldc
