‘School Days’, ‘A long way from home’, and ‘Celtic Education’ are just some of the stories that feature in a new book launched by the National Adult Literacy Agency. Called ‘Written Off?’, and based on the TV series of the same name, the book captures the personal stories of 14 Irish people who recently came together to learn to read and write. The book is an inspiring collection of some of their childhood memories, thoughts and poems, and also contains contributions from three of Ireland’s most prominent authors: Patricia Scanlon, Mary Stanley, and Dermot Bolger. Going back to education as an adult isn’t easy but this book proves that the benefits are great and that everybody has the right to read and be read.
One such person is 35-year-old James McCann from Kinnegad who left school at 14 to become a mechanic. When the garage he worked in had to close, he found that despite the fact that he knew everything about how to fix cars, he couldn't get a mechanic's qualification because he couldn't read or write. Since completing an adult literacy course, James is now back working as a mechanic and studying to get his qualification. In the new book he recalls his childhood memories fixing cars with his father in his story ‘Fiat 127’.
“For most of us, reading and writing comes easily, but for some, it can be a constant struggle all their lives. In Ireland one in four adults have difficulties with literacy, enough to affect their everyday lives. Indeed many people invest a lot of time and energy into hiding this because there is still a stigma associated with having a literacy difficulty. This book showcases the writings of 14 brave adults who made the decision to go back to education and is an inspiration to all of us,” said Inez Bailey, director, National Adult Literacy Agency.
“This book is a collection of the writings of 14 brave adults who made the decision to go back to education. Their work should be an inspiration to us all and show us what is possible when people put their thoughts and stories down on paper,” said Patricia Scanlon.
‘Written Off?’ was produced by NALA in association with New Island and is available free of charge from the National Adult Literacy Agency by calling 1800 20 20 65.
