10 Oct Powerful stories and provider data from the CCA Conference
Image: Grahame, one of the literacy learners starring in the second season of Lost for Words, being interviewed by Conference MC, Chemène Sinson
Image: Vanessa Iles from the Reading Writing Hotline presenting on provider insights at the CCA conference
Image: Clare Sharp, Vanessa Iles and Jo Medlin
Another highlight of the CCA Rebuilding Community Conference was its focus on foundation skills. This included a moving interview with Grahame, a literacy learner who stars in the upcoming Season 2 of Lost for Words on SBS. He gave the conference a valuable perspective on adult literacy learning and the importance of tenacity, encouragement and support in the learning process.
Vanessa Iles, Manager of the Reading Writing Hotline presented on some of the powerful results from the Hotline’s survey of literacy/numeracy needs in communities as reported from education providers and teachers. The research was undertaken by Social Equity Works for the Hotline.
In her presentation, Clare Sharp, First Assistant Secretary, Apprenticeships and Foundation Skills, Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, referred to the re-design process for all foundation skills programs announced by the Minister and emphasised the need to improve apprenticeship support and women’s participation.
The conference also ran an engaging panel discussion with Clare Sharp, Vanessa Iles and Jo Medlin, President of the Australian Council for Adult Literacy. Topics included the need for diversity of literacy provision especially pathways which provided non-accredited student-centred provision, and the need for innovative solutions to address the lack of trained adult literacy and numeracy teachers.
Congratulations to the CCA team, Don Perlgut, Evelyn Goodwin and Clare Harris for organising an engaging, diverse and productive face to face conference, and to Chemène Sinson for doing a wonderful job as Conference MC.