Literacy Waitākere has given me a reason to get out of bed. Literacy Waitākere is a foundation and a stepping-stone for me. Being part Maori, I find the Te Whare Tapa Wha important to me [a Maori pedagogy underpinning the way our tutors work]. For instance, on the Wairua (spiritual) side, we have Karakia and waiata. [...]
I came to Literacy Waitākere to improve my job options and confidence. When assessed by Literacy Waitākere, using the TEC standards, I was under par for a functioning adult in our complex society. Every job I chose would be based on the belief I couldn’t do any better. When I was working in the cinema [...]
I was doing a computer course but my writing was not very good as I had problems with my spelling. I went to the Citizens Advice Bureau to look for an adult learning programme to improve my writing. They told me about Literacy Waitakere so I came in to check the place out. As soon as [...]
Almost six years ago I came to Auckland from Christchurch looking for work after I lost my job due to the Christchurch earthquake. The first place that I rang was the Crowne Plaza Hotel. I got an interview for a position as a room attendant. The day of the interview, while I was waiting for [...]
"Thank you for my new life!"
Adrian is an adult apprentice electrician who admits he has struggled with his off-job course work. Now with one-to-one assistance from Literacy Waitakere there's nothing stopping him. Adrian's early primary school years were interrupted by extensive surgery to one of his legs, added to this was a dyslexia and ADHD diagnosis. "By the time I [...]
Dara says: "I have come to learn that our 'kete' is full when you get to know the learner and consider their emotional, physical, mental and spiritual well-being. When you find out what they want to learn, use meaningful resources, acknowledge what the learner already knows and brings with them and when you use their current [...]
Why did you start at Literacy Waitakere? I started because I wanted to better myself and improve choices with my children. I bluffed my way into work, I'd been able to keep my job for 8 years 'til I was made redundant. Going to the hospital, couldn't fill out the forms for my kids, it was [...]
Please read this carefully - because you can. For many thousands of Aucklanders, born here or recent arrivals, it will be a struggle. Adults who have difficulties with reading, writing or 'rithmetic need help - and helping them would be a massive boost to our region and our economy. Rowena Orejana reports. Terrene Gibson has always [...]
Vai first found out about adult literacy when his workplace, Ritchies Coachlines, offered drivers a literacy programme with Literacy North Shore. Vai could speak English quite well, but he could not always understand what passengers were saying. Other tasks, like filling out accident forms, insurance forms, were difficult because he could not understand what all the [...]
