Learners
Adult Basic Education is a free, informal and confidential service for adults who want to improve their reading, writing and number skills. Tuition is provided on a one to one or small group basis at a time and place mutually agreed by the learners and tutors.
At ABE learning is tailored to individual needs and adults come to us for many reasons. We work with adults who require help with their driving theory test, filling in forms, preparing for interviews, basic IT skills, helping children with their homework. We also work with students who need support with college/distance learning courses.
In addition, we can provide one to one or group tuition for people who have settled here from another country and wish to improve their English as a second language
Projects and Initiatives
M-Learning available for 16 to 25 year olds
A new project to encourage education amongst young adults using the latest in mobile phone technology was launched recently in Portree. The kits are a combination of mobile phone and personal digital assistant.
The learning themes focus on subjects of interest to young adults eg football and music and the modules include activities designed to develop aspects of literacy and numeracy.
The advantage of M-Learning is that it allows learning to take place anytime, anywhere, according to the learner's needs, and in privacy.
Big Plus in Libraries
The Big Plus in Libraries is part of a national campaign to de-stigmatise low literacy and encourage adults to come forward and engage in literacy learning. It builds upon the work which is already taking place between the library services and adult literacies providers.
Working with Learning Connections (Communities Scotland) - which funded the initiative - and the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), Highland Adult Literacies, Highland Libraries and ABE have played an active role in the development of the project. Highland was asked to do this because of the strength of partnership working at a local level and the examples of good practice which have come from this.
Volunteer Tutors
Tutors come from various backgrounds and previous experience is not required as all volunteers attend an initial training course, Introductory Training for Adult Literacies Learning. This course gives an insight into the experiences of adults who need help with literacy/numeracy skills. It takes approximately 32 hours to complete and is run over 2-3 hours weekly sessions.
The tutors will receive ongoing support and in-service workshops and meetings are held periodically throughout the year to enhance their existing skills.
Want to know more?
If you would like to volunteer as a tutor or just have a chat to find out more, please get in touch. If you know of anyone who would benefit from this service, please pass on this information and encourage them to contact ABE. Tuition is free, informal and confidential.
Area Co-ordinator Skye & Lochalsh
Joey Graham
Elgin Hostel
Dunvegan Road
Portree
Isle of Skye
IV51 9EE
Tel: 01478 614050
E-mail: joey.graham@highland.gov.uk
