National Adult Literacy Database

June 1, 1998

Keith Crang

Our story this week is a special event, because we are launching four learners stories on the Internet, and you can read their stories as well as hear them, with the proper audio program as shown below.

 

Play an audio version of this story

Literacy and Me

by Keith Crang

This is about my experience with different literacy programs and how they helped me to acquire my education, and helped me meet and make new friends.

My adventure started in January 1995 when I approached a Brandon High School to become a mature student. I was accepted and started school the beginning of the second semester. During my enrollment at the high school for approximately 1 month, my counsellor and my teachers had the school division psychologist come in and do a lot of different tests on me. They found that I would be better off in a literacy program.

My counsellor phoned a literacy program to have me transferred so I could get the education I desired. When I was at that High school I enjoyed my time there and was taught a lot of different computer work, math and law assignments.

The literacy and upgrading program that I was enrolled in started in mid February till the end of May. During this time the scholastic material that I received helped me work toward my grade 12. From June till the end of August 1996 I went to work for a few different employers. I then returned to the literacy program to learn more scholastic material. During my enrollment I felt that I was not included in the social environment. Also it helps to have the support from your family and community. When school ended in June 1997 I went to work for a couple of different employers.

In September 1997 I approached the Samaritan House Literacy & Adult Education Program so that I could finish getting my education. Since I started I have had more fun and have accomplished more work in 4 months than I did in 16 months at the other program. While attending this literacy program I have improved my writing, reading, English, math and computer skills.

In my opinion literacy programs are for people who have had a hard time functioning in a regular classroom setting. These people can come to a literacy program to get their education and learn subjects such as math, reading, writing and English at a pace in which they can handle.