Catherine Grimley, Tennant & District Times

Everyone is aware of how much of a disadvantage low literacy can be in everyday life, and how those with literacy problems can be reluctant to ask for help for a variety of reasons.

This issue is set to be less of a problem in Tennant Creek with the Literacy for Life program setting up to start classes at premises in Noble Street.

Literacy for Life has already been operating successfully in multiple locations including Bourke, Yaraba and Santa Theresa.

The course they offer covers basic reading and writing, numeracy and computer skills, and there is post-course classes that offer support in applying their new skills in real life situations.

The course runs for six months, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am till 12 noon.

Five local people have been employed to co-ordinate and deliver the program which is delivered in a supportive environment, and are very enthusiastic and motivated to get started helping people in the community improve their literacy skills, opening up multiple opportunities for them.

The program is open to anyone over 15 who is not in school, and transport and food is provided for participants, with a certificate and a small bonus upon completion.

Classes start on the 12 July, so if you know someone who would benefit from this program simply get them to drop in to the old Night Patrol building in Noble Street so they can open up all the new opportunities Literacy for Life can give them, and they too can say “Yes I can!”

This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 2 July 2021.