Over the past three weeks we have looked at social and economic consequences of the low level of literacy in T&T. We learned that almost a quarter of our adults struggle with reading and writing (Alta National Survey, 1994) and that this contributes to our high unemployment and crime, the low standard of living experienced by many in our country and has the potential to affect more than one generation in each household.
For the past 24 years, Alta has provided free community classes to adults (16+) in T&T. Today, we have over 50 venues across the country and we have helped countless adults develop their reading and writing skills. This has ensured that they can gain stable incomes through steady employment, enjoy a higher standard of living and teach their children to read and write. Alta has helped our country tackle literacy ̶and so can you, even if you don’t have the time to be a volunteer Alta tutor or reading guide.
Here’s what you can do. Firstly, do your part in reducing the stigma associated with not being able to read and write. Reading is a skill - much like learning to drive or cook. It takes a lot of practice and commitment. Many Trinidadians and Tobagonians were unable to master this skill. It may have been due to unstable family life or undiagnosed learning difficulties such as dyslexia. Start by changing your own thinking to acknowledge that the ability to read does not say anything about a person’s intelligence, character or values.
When you find out an adult does not read fluently, don’t express surprise as this makes the person feel that they are at fault or something is wrong with them. Maybe note that as with other life skills, some of us need more instruction than others.
If you know the person, point out a talent or aptitude they have. They may have an aptitude for cooking, whereas others need repeated training to produce something edible! So just as some adults need to have cooking lessons, they need some lessons to improve their reading skills.
Let them know that it is never too late. Avoid using the word illiterate in talking to or about non-readers as it is widely used as a synonym for unintelligent in local parlance.
Our responsibility as fellow citizens is to encourage them to learn to read and write now. There are Alta students at many different levels of the literacy spectrum. Some may be able to identify some words and write basic biographical information, but struggle to read articles in the newspapers.
Others may be able to read but have difficulty with spelling and grammar, while others may have never been able to develop the skill of reading. There is a class at Alta for anyone over the age of 16 who needs to work on this skill.
If you cannot think of anyone who may need Alta classes, tell someone you know about Alta—they may know someone who can benefit from classes.
If you have nothing good to say, say nothing at all; words have power. Too many adults stay away from Alta classes out of fear of social scorn. We the readers are the only ones who can change this.
• Volunteer, Donate, Sponsor-a-student. Call 624-2582 or email altapos.tt@gmail.com for more info. Like us on Facebook or check out our YouTube Channel: Adult Literacy Tutors Association