International Literacy Day on Sunday, September 8 marked the start of Alta free classes for adults aged 16 and over who would like to improve their reading, writing and spelling.
Classes are two hours long, twice weekly. Most are 5-7 pm, though classes at libraries start at 4 pm. Morning classes, starting at either 9 am or 10 am, are also available at ten venues including Harvard’s Club, Serpentine Road, St James; The UWI, St Augustine; Arima Bethel Pentecostal; and; Open Bible Church; San Fernando.
Alta classes are at 50 locations from Diego Martin to Sangre Grande, Chaguanas to Siparia and Pt Fortin. This year, Alta is pleased to launch 5-7 pm classes at three new locations:
• Maraval Boys RC School Wed & Thurs, sponsored by First Caribbean International Bank
• Fyzabad Government Secondary School Mon & Wed, sponsored by Trinity Exploration & Production Services
• Carenage Homework Centre Tues & Thurs formerly the Old Carenage Police Station
Nalis, our partner of more than two decades, hosted two days of new student registration at ten libraries last Tuesday and Wednesday. As Alta class locations have become better known, often through students informing those they recognise to have similar needs, there is an encouraging trend of new students registering directly at Alta class venues.
Registration continues at class venues and via our hotline 741-9454 until the end of September. Our doors are always open to students who would like to re-start classes. Students should bring along photo ID and $20 towards materials.
For those who read fluently but find spelling a challenge, Alta offers a separate Spelling Programme. The publication of a fully-revised Alta Spelling Dictionary for our 25th anniversary last year added a new dimension to the Spelling Programme. When asked about the new Alta Spelling Dictionary, Alta Spelling Programme graduate Serah Dookie said, “This book is wow! It has everything you need for spelling and it’s easy to use.”
Over the past 26 years, Alta has improved the quality of life of more than 14,000 adults. Our 2012 Impact Survey showed that in addition to improving their reading and writing, students viewed as equally important the boosting of their self confidence and self-esteem. Over half were able to move into higher paying jobs with an average increase of 32 per cent in their salaries after completing the programme. 100 per cent of the random sample said they would recommend Alta to others.