Adult Literacy

Tuesday, 22 April 2014 13:02

According to recent stats, almost half of adults do not have the literacy skills needed for work, home and life.

Stats show 42% of adults do not have the literacy skills they need for home, work and life, while 16% struggle with very serious literacy challenges and battle with reading basic text.

The Adult Literacy and Essentials Skills Program in Oxford County works one-on-one with the adult students to help them increase or upgrade their skills -- whether it be reading, writing, mathematics or essential skills related to employment, independence, secondary school, post secondary school or an apprenticeship.

Program Coordinator, Wendy Woodhouse says the program assists the adult students in achieving their functional goals. "Some individuals may want to become more functional in their day-to-day life by being able to fill out forms or read a letter that comes home from school. Other folks on the job may want to be able to write shift notes for the next shift, so we look at not only helping people upgrade but the goals attached to that."

Woodhouse says the tutors are all volunteers who receive specialized training through their program. "It's a wonderful experience, that one-to-one relationship and the result and progress of the student, not only is reflected in increased self esteem, confidence in the student but a volunteer feels they've been a very instrumental part in empowering somebody just to operate more effectively in their own life."

According to Woodhouse, in the past they have had adult students seeking help with reading and writing their WHMIS tests, reading memos or postings at work as they are not aware of what the message is and they feel they are lacking knowledge, as well as those working in shipping/receiving who have difficulties with address labels and forms.

The program runs in Tillsonburg through the Multi-Service Centre (MSC) and in Woodstock at the Community Employment Services (CES). The Woodstock location is currently seeking volunteers and will be hosting a training session in the coming months.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer or learning more about the program can call Tom Massiah at 519-539-8161 ext. 292 or click here to visit their website.