RC Maracas/St.Joseph: Removing The Invisible Handcuffs-Freedom For Learning & Earning
Posted by Sean Paddy
on Feb 13, 2016
Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan stated that Literacy is the means through which every man, woman and child can realize his or her full potential. Rotary International has long recognized that basic education and literacy is paramount to overcoming many obstacles that face humanity. In Trinidad and Tobago, the Adult Literacy Tutors Association, ALTA, founded in 1992 has pioneered and aggressively pursued the improvement in literacy levels in the country and the Caribbean. Their curriculum, material, and organization as a whole have received many prestigious awards for the quality, accountability and success it has delivered. There are 50 ALTA venues and anyone over the age of 16 years can enroll to receive free literacy classes.
It was therefore a match made in heaven for the Rotary club of Maracas/St. Joseph to collaborate with ALTA in sponsoring literacy classes at one of ALTA’s centers in the country. The chosen center was the Holy Saviour Anglican Church in Curepe, Trinidad as it is closest to the residents of the Maracas/St. Joseph area.
Our collaboration began on September 14th, 2015 with a lecture delivered by ALTA personnel Grace Lawrence and Sarah Ashraph to the Club membership. We were then invited to attend an actual ALTA class at our chosen venue so we could observe firsthand the delivery of the curriculum and meet the brave and spirited individuals determined to change their lives. It was heartwarming and inspiring to watch 18 adults pursue their literacy dream in an atmosphere of encouragement, camaraderie and exemplary nurturing.
Our efforts will continue throughout the year and we hope to continue to make a difference in years to come.
A CHEQUE FOR $10,000 TT PRESENTED TO ALTA TO SPONSOR 18 STUDENTS FOR A YEAR OF CLASSES
ALTA Class at Holy Saviour Anglican Church in Curepe, Trinidad