AN adult literacy program has expanded to Yanchep, offering free tutoring to help read and write better.
The Read Write Now literacy program has been operating in WA since 1977, helping thousands of adults improve their reading and writing skills.
Students in the program meet with a trained volunteer tutor once a week for free, one-to-one sessions that don’t involve tests or text books.
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READ NOW“These adult students come from a range of backgrounds,” operations co-ordinator Robyn Knight said.
“Some run their own small businesses, some are Tafe students, or parents who want to read to their children and assist with homework.
“Some are struggling to keep their jobs or are aiming at up-skilling to achieve employment and require additional skills.”
Ms Knight said there was now a group in Yanchep and the program was keen to build up its numbers and offer adults opportunities to become more involved in their community.
“A staggering 46 per cent of the adult Australian population has problems with everyday functional literacy,” she said.
“Read Write Now actively works to reduce the stigma and shame surrounding literacy.”
Yanchep region co-ordinator Barbara Kelly said volunteers had been helping five students since expanding to the area and there were likely to be many more who could benefit from the service in the growing area.
“There are also many people out there who would like to upskill to achieve employment,” she said.
“We can certainly help them with that.”
The program will run out of the Y.hub, and hub manager Paul Leone said it would offer an important service for Yanchep and surrounding areas.
The free, confidential service is funded by the Department of Training and Workforce Development.
For more information, visit www.read-write-now.org or call 1800 018 802.
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