International Literacy Day: 8 September 2005 |
05 September 2005 |
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Thursday 8th September will see the 40th anniversary of International Literacy Day. More opportunities than ever are now available for people to learn vital skills which will lead to more rewarding lives, and to enable them to play a fuller role in their families, work places, and in the community. The Scottish Adult Literacy and Numeracy Strategy was launched in 2001 with the aim of doubling the number of learning opportunities for those with literacy and numeracy needs and this strategy is co-ordinated locally by the Community Literacy and Numeracy (CLAN) Partnership which includes a variety of local organisations including Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar, Lews Castle College, Cothrom Ltd, Training for Development, Western Isles Enterprise, Careers Scotland, Job Centre Plus, Voluntary Action Lewis and the Libraries Sevice. The Public Library Service in the Western Isles will be participating in three such literacy schemes. The Big Plus scheme seeks to dispel the stigma attached to the lack of such skills, and to encourage adults with low levels of skill in reading and writing to seek help. A dedicated telephone number (0808 100 1080) will assist people to get in touch with locally available help and support. In addition, assistance may be available with understanding and filling out forms, writing letters, and basic computer literacy. The Library Service will also participate in the forthcoming BBC RaW campaign, a three year initiative in partnership with public libraries, to help literacy skills across the UK. The BBC is working with a wide range of partner organisations, programme makers, presenters and celebrities to help people discover the unexpected about reading and writing, and fulfil their potential. Thursday 8th September will also herald the availability in Stornoway Library of a collection of adult literacy material aimed at helping learners and tutors. The collection will be extended to Lionacleit Library in the near future. This collection has been made available through joint work with the Community Literacy and Numeracy (CLAN) Partnership and the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Community Education Department, who provide support for adult learners, through the Western Isles Learning Shop (Tel. 01851 707818) based in the Town Hall on South Beach Street. Notes Contacts: Public Library: David Fowler, tel. 01851 708631 Photo-opportunity There will be an opportunity to take photographs in Stornoway Library on Thursday 8th September 2005 when some of those involved in adult literacy work will gather in the library to mark the launch of the new resources available in the library. A time for this can be arranged through contacting Graeme on 707818 or the Learning Shop on 707460. Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 709389 (Work) |
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