Case histories highlight adult literacy difficulties

THE problems confronting people with literacy difficulties were highlighted at the ploughing championships through the case histories of two men.

Members of the public have also been visiting Vocational Education Committee (VEC) adult literacy centres across the country as part of National Adult Literacy Awareness Week, which ends today.

The aim of the week is to raise awareness of the literacy issue and inform individuals about the benefits of improving their reading, writing and maths skills.

According to the last international survey, about half a million Irish adults have difficulties with basic reading, writing and maths.

Kevin O’Duffy, Shannonbridge, Co Offaly, and Michael Power, Nenagh, Co Tipperary, were on the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) stand at “The Ploughing”.

Outlining his own experiences, Kevin O’Duffy said he loves farming, but it is only half of the work: “The way things have gone there is a form coming through the letter box every second day. The trouble was when I wanted to fill in a form or write a letter. I’d know I’d written it wrong, but I didn’t know what the correct way was.”

Like many people, Kevin had difficulties with reading and writing. While he wanted to improve these skills he was very worried about going back to education. “The biggest fear I had was that friends and people I knew would find out that I had this problem and they’d make a sort of a laugh out of me,” he said.

However, after taking the brave decision to attend a local adult literacy centre, he soon found out he wasn’t alone — there are 45,000 adults attending literacy courses nationwide.

“Crossing the door of the centre was very nerve-wracking, but it also was a huge weight off my shoulders and I’ve never looked back,” he said.

Mr O’Duffy said he wants to tell other people in the farming community who may have problems writing or using the computer that there is nothing to be worried about; going back to education was the best decision he ever made.

“Not only did I improve my writing skills, but it gave me the confidence to do lots of other things. It’s also great craic as you meet lots of other people in the same boat,” he said.

Michael Power is equally passionate about his journey back to education: “I want to take everyone by the hand and take them on the journey I’ve been on. It’s been a roller-coaster. Several years ago I couldn’t read bedtime stories to my kids but, since going back to adult education, I’ve done my Leaving Certificate in English and Maths.”

Meanwhile, NALA wants to hear from people who need help with reading, writing, numbers or spelling for possible selection as a student on a RTÉ television series Written Off, that will be recorded in January and February.

* Freefone NALA on 1800 20 20 65