The annual Student Awards Night for the Louth Meath Education and Training Board’s Adult Learning Service (ALS) in King Street, Drogheda, took place recently in the d Hotel. 

Adult Literacy Organiser, Deirdre Carmody opened the proceedings by welcoming learners, staff and guests and said the Awards Night is a celebration of achievements of learners from all age groups and nationalities within the centre. 

Deirdre also spoke about the wide range of free part-time courses available in subjects such as reading, writing, maths and numeracy, IT skills and English as a Second Language (ESOL) offered in ALS.  

Deirdre introduced Councillor Michelle Hall, Mayor of Drogheda and Kelvin Harvey, Adult Education Officer with LMETB, who spoke of the courage, bravery and persistence of every learner present and congratulated them on their achievements to date. 

Lisa Corcoran, a learner in ALS, lit a candle in remembrance of deceased loved ones from the LMETB community and this was followed by another learner who read some of his own amazing poetry.

Admin Officer Radhika Iyer, called learners names and QQI certificates were then presented by Councillor Michelle Hall and Kelvin Harvey, as their proud families and friends clapped and cheered. 

Karolina Anitpova from Ukraine and Enas Abbas Ali from Iraq then took to the stage to speak about their learning experiences in Ireland, and this was followed by Asad Danish who read out his own poem about love. 

Deirdre closed proceedings by thanking the speakers, tutors, and staff along with the learners and their families. Light refreshments were served, and everyone mixed and mingled before heading home after an uplifting, positive evening.