OVER €95,000 in funding has been announced for key projects tackling literacy, numeracy, digital, and financial literacy needs across Limerick and Clare. Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless and Minister of State Marian Harkin today announced the allocation of funds for innovative projects in Limerick and Clare supporting adults with unmet literacy needs. Nine projects are receiving funding from SOLAS through the Collaboration and Innovation Fund, including The AI in Everyday Life: Digital Citizenship Literacy Project initiative, run by local libraries and Limerick and Clare ETB, helping adults in Limerick to learn about and improve their understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI), what AI is, and how it works. The project shows people how to use AI in easy, useful ways that match their interests and how to check if the information it gives is true. The Simple Meals Made Easy’ for primary and secondary school initiative: focuses on promoting food and health literacy among parents in Roma, Traveller, and IPA communities through classes that will focus on how to cook simple and healthy meals for large families. READ MORE: Mayor of Limerick holds meeting with JP McManus over International Rugby Experience The Libraries for Literacy (Limerick) Initiative: improves library access for people with literacy needs in Limerick, promoting libraries as essential hubs for lifelong learning and literacy development. Speaking at the launch event, Minister Harkin said: “I am delighted to see funding awarded to these innovative projects and partnerships in Limerick and Clare that are supporting people to access the vital literacy services they need, helping us to work towards a more inclusive and equal society in Ireland. 1 in 5 adults in Ireland, aged between 16-65, are at or below Level 1 in literacy, meaning they struggle with reading and understanding everyday text. Initiatives such as the Collaboration and Innovation Fund provide critical investment to communities across Ireland, supporting projects and activities that enable adults to gain the necessary literacy, numeracy, digital skills, and financial literacy they need to fully engage in society and realise their potential.” Minister Lawless added: “Literacy is fundamental to both personal empowerment and economic participation. Our Government and my Department are committed to ensuring every adult has the opportunity to improve their literacy. This is evidenced and actioned through the Adult Literacy for Life strategy. The Collaboration and Innovation Fund is delivering partnerships that are helping to break down barriers and bring forward innovative, people-centered solutions to literacy challenges. The aim being to build a more inclusive, informed, and empowered society.” The Collaboration and Innovation Fund is managed by the Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) National Programme Office in SOLAS. The fund aims to help create a more inclusive and equal society by supporting collaborative and innovative projects that help adults with unmet literacy, numeracy, digital, and financial literacy needs. READ MORE: 270 Limerick residents granted Irish citizenship at Killarney ceremonies This year the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) contributed €250,000 towards a financial literacy strand of the Collaboration and Innovation Fund. Speaking about the importance of the projects, Tom Kent, Regional Literacy Coordinator for Limerick & Clare Education and Training Board said; “The National Adult Literacy for Life Strategy gives us a good plan to help adults who need support with reading, writing, numbers, and using technology. The ALL Collaboration and Innovation Fund helps local groups work together to improve literacy in their own areas. In Limerick and Clare, this fund brings people and organisations together to find new ways to help people with unmet literacy needs. I’m very happy that eight new projects have been given support and funding this year. The hope is that these projects will help adults feel more confident and be better able to take part in their lives, communities and employment.” Yvonne McKenna, Director of Adult Literacy for Life in SOLAS said; “The ALL Collaboration and Innovation Fund, now in its third year, is having a real impact at a local level and making a difference in the lives of many people. The wide range and diversity of the projects it supports is inspiring to see. The projects are helping adults across Ireland to build their confidence with literacy, numeracy, digital skills, and financial literacy, and they demonstrate the importance of cross-community collaboration at local level.”