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

The program of events included the following: traditional Irish music and dancing, a selection of interactive quizzes using our touchscreen computers and a games room with a range of card, board and traditional games such as marble checkers and a Camogie demonstration.

The Irish workshop delivered by Seán Ó Murchadha from Conradh na Gaeilge was hugely successful and showed great interest in learning a few words of Irish. The students had to practice some 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.

The students were happy to hear some traditional music and were captivated by the beautiful sound of the instruments. Ukrainian students sang a beautiful traditional folk song that was very moving.

They then had a drumming workshop, facilitated by Eamonn Cagney. It was clear how music and dance unites people from different cultures. The students also learned a few steps of Irish dancing from Deirdre; everyone learned a few steps and there was a lot of laughter and fun in the process.

Adult Literacy Organiser, Kinga Byrne, said: “We wanted to highlight the diversity and inclusion reflected in the service and give our pupils the opportunity to celebrate together.”

She went on to say how pleased she was with the way both staff and students had embraced the celebration: “the work on display in the building reflects the quality of the work taking place in our classrooms.”

The building was decorated with bunting of flags from around the world. The students had written pieces about their country’s culture and favorite things, and these pieces were read by all visitors throughout the morning.

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

“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 success of the event was that everyone stayed for three hours and that all workshops were packed.
LMETB Adult Education Officer Claire O’Boyle said: “I was particularly impressed by the effort the students had made to dress in traditional costume, which added enormously to the atmosphere of the day.

“The variety of food on offer was fantastic and students brought their favorite dishes from around the world.

“The event clearly reflects the diversity and welcoming nature of the ALS in Dundalk. I was pleased to be able to attend and congratulated the students and staff for celebrating so many cultures. The event was a true example of diversity and inclusion at its best.”

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

LMETB Adult Learning Service offers a range of free education options such as literacy, numeracy, digital literacy and English lessons for speakers of other languages.

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