Literacy schemes depend on volunteers

LITERACY programmes aimed at helping the 500,000 adults in Ireland with reading and writing problems are almost entirely dependent on volunteers.

Because of crippling finances, most schemes can offer learners no more than two hours tuition a week.

As National Adult Literacy Awareness Week (NALAW) kicks off today, those working in the service say major funding is needed if literacy schemes are to reach more than the 3% with problems.