As universities and further education colleges are providing courses to vastly larger number of students through innovative and flexible practices. Such practices have seen the development of new teaching methodologies that have brought students closer to technology as well as allowing the students more flexible learning options that has made learning easier and more enjoyable. According to Garrison and Vaughan the pedagogical redesigns where tradition and innovation are integrated and ‘open learning is emerging as the organisating concept in transforming teaching and learning’ Vaughan (2008,p143). The same learning options should be offered to individuals in disadvantaged sectors such as Youthreach. Open and flexible learning options available to some and not to others will further deepen the technological divide existing in Ireland today. This methodological shift from face-to-face instruction to blended learning where technology is used for basic learning will seek to normalise technology used for learning. In our centre many of our students fail to attend classes due to geographical reasons, most of our students live over 20km from the centre, and if they miss the bus early in the morning they thus fail to make it to the centre and miss a day of learning. The White Paper on Adult Education in Ireland (2000) refers to the opportunities IT can provide to learners who are removed from learning centres due to distance and have the potential to learn from home. The integration of blended and open learning options also concurs with the aims and goals of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (2012) which aims to improve the IT skills to meet the job vacancies that exist in Ireland today. One of our organisations aim is to make education accessible at all times through the provision of open and distance learning. The face to face aspect of our organisation focuses a need on providing a holistic programme where students can engage and maximise their potential. To achieve this literacy and numeracy are prioritised as “Literacy is more essential than ever before. In societies dominated by the written word, it is a fundamental requirement for citizens of all ages in modern Europe” (EU, 2012). Literacy reduces personal isolation by supporting social interaction and communication with others (for example, through letter-writing, texting and social media such as facebook . Learners may appreciate that poor literacy and numeracy skills place them at a disadvantage economically, personally and vocationally yet may feel that the challenges involved in improving their skills are too great to be worth the effort. Our organisation seeks to stem this tide and reverse the sentiments of those with low literacy levels. It is through further staff training and the sharing of ideas on an international platform that will assist staff in empowering our citizens. Coupled with these two areas is the need for inclusion through sport. As a staff we have a wealth of experience empowering and motivating early school leavers to take control of their own learning and personal development. Research suggests (Quiroga 2013), (Downes & Maunsell 2007) the therapeutic effects of outdoor education including fishing and angling might be effective in combatting depression symptoms, negative self perceptions and mental health issues among early school leavers. Staff at Youthreach Cappawhite are committed to challenging these pessimistic self beliefs and have been engaged in breaking cycles of hopelessness and dejection through education for over 20 years. Our aim is to provide meaningful life skills as well as formal qualifications. Through exploration and engagement of the outdoors we hope to develop coping skills within our learners so that they are capable of dealing with potential crisis through means other than substance abuse and antisocial behaviour.