Students enrolled at the Adult Literacy Tutors Association (Alta) see themselves transformed over the course of one year as they gain confidence and are better able to help themselves and others.
By creating an opportunity to learn for hundreds of adults each year, Alta presents an excellent model for volunteerism and an outlet for social investment and sponsorship.
As Alta prepares for its annual student registration on September 8 and 9 at libraries across T&T, it revisits the message of its anti-stigma campaign—"No shame. Go brave. You can read"—by sharing writing from students who benefited from the kindness of an Alta sponsor.
Carlos, Alta beginner student,
St John's London Baptist Church:
"I came to Alta because I needed to learn to read and write because I want to help my daughter with her schoolwork. I think Alta does good work because I can now sound letters and read words.
Alta classes will help the country because it teaches people who cannot read and write, how to do it.
I encourage sponsors to keep sponsoring, so that more people can learn. I appreciate what the sponsors are doing."
Lisa, Alta Level 3 student,
Arima Girls' RC School:
"Alta creates real opportunities for us to learn and grow. I came to Alta believing that I only needed help with spelling and pronunciation. However, after a very short time in the programme, I realise there were many other areas in which I needed help. I learnt there is much more to understanding Standard English.
"Prior to attending Alta, I knew very little about phonics. Through the trained tutors at Alta, I was taught phonics, grammar and spelling strategies, understanding the difference between Creole and Standard English. I also learnt the difference between American spelling and English spelling.
Alta provides support material for lessons that are instrumental for learning. From these materials, I have learnt structured writing, formal letter writing, understanding and writing a dialogue.
"Similarly, this material provided information on a lot of informative topics, such as: the benefits of National Insurance, electrical safety, buying a home, business loans, reading a floor plan, dyslexia, and cancer prevention.
"Since Alta, my life has improved overall. My ability to spell and comprehend is much better than before Alta. Furthermore, Alta has helped my self-esteem blossom. My self-confidence was boosted and my communication skills. I now make better contributions in discussions."
MORE INFO
Website: http://alta-tt.org/
Email: altapos@alta-tt.org
Head office: 84 Belmont Circular Road, Belmont, Port-of-Spain
Have you considered becoming a volunteer or are you interested in joining an Alta class? New student registration starts September 8 and 9. Call 624-2582/653-4656 for more information.
Volunteer, donate or sponsor a student. Like Alta on Facebook or check out to Alta’s YouTube Channel: Adult Literacy Tutors Association.