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Literacy Learners experiences
Learners names have been changed.
Bill brushes up his English
I was working in a factory but I wanted to learn new things like reading, writing and computers.
My social worker got in touch with Lead Scotland. The Lead Organiser came to the house wi
Learners names have been changed.
Bill brushes up his reading and writing
I had been working in a factory but wanted to learn different skills and have more independence in life. It was important for me to improve my reading and writing skills and learn about computers.
My social worker got in touch with Lead Scotland and the Lead Learning Co-ordinator came to the house with a sign language interpreter. The Learning Co-ordinator found a volunteer who had basic sign language skills and knew about computers. We worked together at my house and I learned new things but sometimes it was difficult because the volunteer’s signing skills were limited.
I communicated this to the Learning Co-ordinator and she asked the adult literacy team to set up a group and they did. The group is for people whose first language is BSL who want to improve their English language reading, writing and ICT skills. It is supported by a Adult Literacy tutor and a professional BSL Interpreter.
I have now moved into a house on my own and the group is a great way for me to learn the new skills I need such as shopping, letters, and bills!
Sally gains confidence to write
About four years ago I had a stroke and lost my speech and language skills. I am a mum of primary school age children so it is very important to me to learn to communicate again especially with my family. A school social worker told me about Lead.
I was frightened of writing things down at the start because I had lost my skills and my confidence. Lead loaned me a computer and there is a computer programme which lets me choose my own level and work by myself. I'm retraining my memory with the language skills it has lost. A Lead volunteer also comes to the house to show me how to use email.
At the moment I have to take someone with me everywhere I go because of my difficulties in communication. My goal is to gain more confidence and become independent. Now I can write again the kids know exactly what I mean!
Sam types letters to friends
When Sam joined Lead he could write his name and address but was unable to write letters to friends and family. He told his Learning Co-ordinator that he would like to learn how to use a computer.
His Learning Co-ordinator was able to arrange for him to receive a free computer loan from Lead for 6 months. His goal was to be able to type letters to friends.
Sam needed support to do this and he was introduced to a Lead volunteer. They met weekly, at Sam's home, and he started by getting to know how the computer worked.
After a few weeks Sam was able to type an invitation to one of his friends, and was delighted with this. He has now bought his own computer and has joined reading and writing classes with Adult Basic Education.
th a sign language interpreter.
She found a volunteer who had basic sign language skills and could help me learn about computers. Sometimes it was difficult because the volunteer was still learning sign language.
I told the Organiser and she asked the Council adult literacy team to set up a group and they did. The group is for people whose first language is sign language like me. It has a professional sign language interpreter. I am learning English language reading, writing and computer skills.
I have now moved into a house on my own and I still go to the group. It helps me live independently and manage with my shopping, letters, and bills!