'It’s never too late to try': New adult literacy program launched

Image: 'It's never too late to try' Read and Write for Life tutor, Gareth

Wollongong City Libraries has launched a new program aimed at helping people in our community who struggle with everyday challenges like reading a bus or train timetable, filling in forms, or reading to their kids.

Read and Write for Life has been developed in collaboration with the Reading Writing Hotline, Australia’s national referral and advisory service for adults wanting to improve their literacy.

Recently 10 volunteers have worked with the library to complete a comprehensive adult literacy tutor training course and are ready to be paired with locals ready to take their first step.

“For anyone who left school early or maybe had bad experiences of school, it can be a huge step to come back to learning,” said Sarah Taylor, Manager Libraries and Community Facilities.

“With Read and Write for Life, the learner sets the goals. They meet weekly with their tutor in a private space in the comfort of the library. There are no other students, no assessments, and our goal is to ensure that they feel safe and supported as they work towards their literacy goals.’’

Despite not being widely talked about, low literacy affects more than 43 per cent of Australians. The Reading Writing Hotline receives more than 4,000 calls from people asking for help each year, with the majority of callers from English speaking backgrounds.

“We know that not being able to read or write can be a huge barrier for people in many areas of their lives. We’re putting the word out for anyone who’s ready to take that first step to read and write more confidently to reach out to their library,” said Acting Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Linda Campbell.

“The fact that over seven million Australians struggle with literacy shows that you’re not alone. We’re pleased to be able to provide a new pathway for people in our community. Our hope is that people can gain reading confidence and grow to see themselves as lifelong learners.’’

To support the program’s success, the library service has also invested in a range of resources to help boost reading confidence and engagement in learning, with quick reads across a range of genres that can help adults feel more confident and enjoy reading, perhaps for the first time.

If someone you know is ready and would like to find out more, they can speak to a library staff member, or phone the libraries' Community Connections and Learning team on (02) 4227 7414.