Boxercise with a twist - illiterate adults can now learn to read and write by boxing!

Adults with literacy issues can learn to read and write under the new Collaboration and Innovation Fund by boxing. 

That's according to the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD, who yesterday (July 16) allocated €1 million to 51 projects nationwide to help adults learn literacy, numeracy and digital skills. 

Minister Harris said, “We know that accessing literacy supports can be very difficult for people to do. There is often a stigma attached to not being able to read, write, or participate in the world online. 

"What is really magic about these projects is they inject fun into learning those essential skills. That can mean learning to read or count through the joy of cooking, or boxing.

"This will ensure we reach those key target groups such as older adults, members of the Traveller community, or persons experiencing addiction. 

"I really want to congratulate each and every applicant. We will learn from your work and scale up if found to be successful." 

The Collaboration and Innovation Fund - developed with the aim of creating a more equal society - was launched in April 2023 as part of the Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) Strategy.

Director of Adult Literacy for Life, Yvonne McKenna, said, "The ALL Collaboration and Innovation Fund will enable the delivery of a diverse and broad range of important literacy programmes to benefit adults in Ireland with a range of complex literacy needs. 

"Literacy is an issue that will affect every adult in Ireland over the course of their lifetime. Currently, almost 1 in 5 adults in Ireland struggling with reading and understanding everyday text, almost 1 in 4 struggle with maths and almost 1 in 2 adults lack basic digital skills. 

"This funding will help a range of learners including older adults, Travellers, migrants, lone parents, and early school leavers gain access to key supports to benefit their needs to participate more fully in society." 

Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) is a ten-year strategy that aims to ensure that every adult in Ireland has the necessary literacy, numeracy and digital literacy to fully engage in society and realise their potential.

Green Party representatives in Laois welcomed the LOETB, Power of Words and Portlaoise Boxing Club partnership to aid adult literacy. 

Local election candidate for Portlaoise, Rosie Palmer, said, "Literacy is a vital skill for people to fully participate in our society. It is wonderful to see boxing being used as the pathway into improved literacy for adults who are at a disadvantage without these skills.

"Collaboration between agencies and groups is proving time and again to fuel creative thinking and increase impact. Well done to all involved – it is wonderful to see Portlaoise leading in this way.”

Minister Pippa Hackett added: "The Collaboration and Innovation Fund is part of the Adult Literacy for Life Strategy. This project, Boxing Clever, receives €30,280 in a partnership between LOETB, Power of Words Festival and Portlaoise Boxing Club. Yet again LOETB and partners stand out for ‘outside the box’ thinking and bringing creativity into the transfer of skills. Fantastic!”