Many communities are aware of the literacy needs of people in their community. They are aware that large numbers of individuals did not complete high school education, dropped out, are unemployed, or need to up-grade their skills to get advancement. Clearly, then communities know about the literacy needs of their members. However, just because we know that a need exists does not mean that a literacy program can succeed. In order to succeed a literacy program must have the following in place:

a) A solid base of community support.

People in the community must support the program. Even though a community receives funding for a literacy program, funding levels are never sufficient to provide all the necessary conditions. Usually communities provide space and facilities for the program (through community centres, community schools, band offices, etc.). Quite often, communities provide free telephone, postage, photocopying, etc. Therefore, the program funding pays for the instructor's salary, learning materials and learner supports such as transportation and child care. If broad community support does not exist, then the program is not likely to succeed.

Individuals in the community must believe the program will be useful to all of its members not just those unemployed or the youth in the community. The community must believe that by offering an adult basic education program in the community, the whole community will profit. They must feel that the program is a positive benefit to all.

b) An informed based of community groups for referrals.

In order for a program to succeed, all the local community groups must know about the program, understand how it is run, and provide it with regular referrals. People in the community must understand that the adult basic education program is not like school. They must realize that learning will be individualized and proceed at the learner's own rate. Community groups must be educated about the reasons people have literacy problems and the kinds of specific literacy needs that students have.