International Literacy Day was celebrated on September 8. How many of us participated in activities and celebrations to mark the day? The Adult Literacy Tutors Association did, for it has made literacy its mission.

For the past 14 years, ALTA has dedicated itself to providing literacy instruction and training to the general public at no cost. ALTA uses schools, libraries, community centres and church halls to conduct its classes in 60 locations throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

All tutors are trained by ALTA and volunteer their time and skills to help curb illiteracy in this country. A 1995 survey in Trinidad and Tobago showed that “less than half the adult population can read and understand the newspapers and simple medicine labels”.

Regionally, ALTA has conducted tutor training for NGOs and Ministries of Education and Family Affairs in St Vincent, Grenada and Antigua. In Trinidad and Tobago, ALTA has trained over 1,000 tutors and has published 60 books, as part of its fight against illiteracy.

At our Independence Square office recently, the Catholic News interviewed an ALTA graduate, Amelia Williams, who chatted openly about her ALTA experience.

Amelia Williams

CATHOLIC NEWS: How did you find out about the literacy course?
MS WILLIAMS: I heard about it on TV, and I never knew there was something like this available for me.

CATHOLIC NEWS: What made you decide to take the course?
MS WILLIAMS: My husband died a few years ago and I have two small children who were looking to me for something. When I had my first child I was sixteen and I couldn’t finish school.

She used to come to me with her homework and I couldn’t help her so.... I want to help my other children. I had to do something for myself and I got the opportunity, I can do it now.

CATHOLIC NEWS: Was it difficult for you, going back to school at your age?
MS WILLIAMS: I was 39 when I started, and yes, it was a challenge! I was afraid people would laugh at me, you know? But nobody laughed. As a matter of fact, you make friends. People share their life stories with you and the tutors are really good. Anything you need help with you just call and ask - they are always willing to help. The tutors are dependable and trustworthy. I really appreciate it that they can come out to teach us – they are not getting a salary you know!

CATHOLIC NEWS: What were some of the challenges you faced, not being able to read or write?
MS WILLIAMS: Oh, well plenty. Everything is challenging when you can’t read or write! I wanted to read my bible because I’m a Christian. When I went to fill out my visa form it was so hard – I felt bad that I couldn’t even fill out a form.
And when you are not educated, men try to take advantage of you, as a woman.
It is also dangerous because people can rob you. Also, I wanted a better job, with more money and things for my children to raise their standard of life.

CATHOLIC NEWS: So how has learning to read and write changed your life?
MS WILLIAMS: It has built my self-esteem – now I know I am worth something! Nobody can take advantage of me anymore. It has also broadened my way of thinking, especially when it comes to relationships and dealing with people. Being educated also keeps you out of trouble because when you are educated you are inspired to do more.
I was afraid of computers and ALTA encouraged me to take a computer course and now I am starting another course in Culinary Arts.

CATHOLIC NEWS: What would you say to others who are thinking about taking the course?
MS WILLIAMS: Don’t be afraid. When you come out of the class you will have no regrets. You are not alone; there are other people like you. It is a sacrifice, but it is worth it! There was a 60-year-old lady in my class and all she wanted was to be able to sign her name on her pension slip. When she learnt, she was so happy – she almost cried in class. I thank God that I took the challenge at this age, now my future is brighter.

ALTA provides free literacy classes to anyone over 16 years old. The course begins in September and runs for a school year. There are three levels of literacy taught and each level takes one term. Registration began on Tuesday, September 5, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at public libraries across Trinidad and Tobago.

ALTA can be reached at the following contact numbers: Belmont - 624-2582, Arima - 664-2582 and San Fernando - 653-4656.