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A free community course teaching adults basic literacy, numeracy and life skills kicked off this month, despite lockdown restrictions imposed by Covid-19.
Literacy Aotearoa had hoped to run its programmes in person in Warkworth for the first time this month. Rather than wait for lockdown to end, it has decided to offer them online instead.
Once lockdown restrictions end, classes will continue in the Warkworth Town Hall.
Tutor Nicola Bolton will run the course, which teaches a variety of skills including essential communication, budgeting and nutrition.
Nicola, who lives in Matakana, identified a need for the course after previously teaching English literacy skills to members of the local Kiribati community and others with special needs.
She says although Mahurangi is a relatively high decile area, there are many locals who have “slipped through the cracks” at school and struggle with basic literacy and numeracy, some of them with undiagnosed dyslexia.
They continue through life by relying on a partner to help them out or will phone people rather than use text or email.
Nicola says adults often feel ashamed of their difficulties and will continue for years without doing anything about it.
“Sometimes it’s a mission to make people comfortable enough for them to give us ring and say, ‘Hey, I need help’,” she says.
The course started last Tuesday, October 19, but Literacy Aotearoa will accept enrolments after this date.
Rather than follow a strict curriculum, Nicola will discuss with students what they want to achieve and tailor the course to meet their learning goals.
The course runs on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9am to 2.30pm. Students typically complete 100 hours.
While the course is delivered online, Literacy Aotearoa can provide a Chromebook for students lacking a computer and help set up an internet connection at their home if required.
Students must be 16 or over and a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
To enrol: Phone 0800 678 910 or email info.c2@literacy.org.nz
