HOME

Learners thoughts on their Learning

Some of the following originate from competitions we have held in the past e.g. Adult Learners' Week

Competitions while others were 'just sent in'.

83 I began Adult Literacy classes 18 months ago and I go to groups at Stonehouse and Larkhall. I can now write short sentences. I can now understand and read my bills better and I am quicker with dealing with money. I now use Maths programmes on the computer in the Library.

David, Stonehouse

Thanks David. Apart from the fact that you are obviously getting 'stuck in' to your learning, you obviously have good reasons to learn and that is why it's working.   Having a good Tutor helps too.

Webmaster

82 What I've Achieved by Margaret

Since I started coming to Adult Learning classes a few years ago,  I've achieved a lot of things in my time.  And I've enjoyed every bit of it. 

I felt delighted with myself to get my Communication Level 3 qualification.  I was even more pleased when I was told I was the first person in a Community Learning class to get that certificate.

I have also had several stories published on the South Lanarkshire Learners'  website.  They include The Nightmare which I recorded and you can hear it on the website.  My voice sounds funny recorded as I've never did that kind of thing before.

Then I did the Six Book Challenge twice and completed it both times and got my Certificates.    I've continued to read on mostly crime stories.

I was second winner in the Limerick South Lanarkshire Learners' website competition.   It made me feel good because I hadn't done poems before.

When I saw the Limerick booklet it looked brilliant! I felt pleased as punch and proud of myself. It was my first time having anything published in a booklet.  I enjoyed showing the book of Limericks to my husband and my son and daughter who thought it was very funny.

Last of all I learned a lot about punctuation marks and how to put them in their right places.

With all that I've done I feel proud of myself and my tutor says I'm a really hard worker.

Margaret Blantyre

Thanks.  You should, and probably do, feel proud of yourself Margaret.  You have achieved a lot and it seems that you have enjoyed yourself in the process.  That's what learning should be all about.   I think we should record you saying this.  What do you think?

Webmaster

81 I felt fantastic and proud when my 2 year old grandson gave me his Thomas the Tank Engine book to read to him and I was able to do it!!!  This was my reason for joining the Adult Learners Course but there's more...

I can now

•           write my wife's name on her birthday card for the first time

•           write all my families' names

•           join in games with the family at Christmas instead of finding an excuse

•           order my own meal from a simple menu instead of getting my wife to it

•           sign a petition or put my name and address on a raffle ticket instead of

•           avoiding these people in the Town Centre
  
  These are simple everyday things which I couldn't do before.
  
  When my own weans were young my wife read to them and when they would bring me a book I told them to take it to their mother as I was too busy.  I did not want that to continue.  So when I was able to read this book out loud to my grandson I felt a tingle go through me and IT WAS FANTASTIC.

Archie from East Kilbride

Archie won the Adult Learners' Week competition 2007 with the above article and has sent in a letter of thanks.

I was very surprised and grateful to be selected as the winner of the South Lanarkshire Learners' Competition.  As my family already has a digital camera I decided to spend the £150 of Argos vouchers on something else we could all enjoy and that was a big barbeque.

I am sorry for not thanking you sooner but I just became a grandfather for the third time and had other things on my mind.

Thank you, Archie.

80 After an accident in which I received a brain injury, I suffered great memory loss. I did not even recognise my friends and family. I had to get to know them all over again and still have great difficulty remembering their names.
I attend an Adult Literacy Group in Lanark where I receive help. The people there are very kind and helpful. Before I took the stroke, I was very keen on sports like badminton, but now I can no longer run about the court because of the affects of the stroke on the left side of my body.
When I came out of Murdostoun, I was asked to go to Headways, in Hamilton, but I didn't want to go. Eventually I did go along and now I enjoy myself. At the last AGM at Headways, I joined the committee and have a degree of input to put ideas across. However, the Literacy class has been most beneficial to me as I forgot how to spell, write, read and even count. I feel my confidence is coming back slowly.

Learner from Lanark

79 Many people of my generation, born in 1945, left school with few qualifications.
Married at 20, I went on to have 3 children; then, at age 36, I sat and passed an English O Grade at Bell college in 1981.  Sadly I was widowed at 43 and felt I had not achieved much.  By the time I was 46 my mother needed 24 hour care so I broguht her to live with me.
Over the last 12 years I have been a member of a Carers' Group, 10 years with PRT Lanarkshire Carers Centre.  During this time I have met many friends but caring leaves you very little time for yourself.  In 2004 I joined Adult Learners in Fairhill civic Centre, learning to write formal anmd informal letters.  I now run a very successful and rewarding tennants and Resients Group in my area.  with the Carers Group and the Tennants Group I fell needed and the Adult Learners brought out a hidden talent I was not sure I possessed.
We all have something we can learn and share.  There are no hurdles or barriers in Community Learning.  Make good use of it for your own sake.  Learning can be fun!

Jan from Hamilton 

78 My name is Supaporn Chanixong. I come from Tialand. When I first come to Scotland two years ago. I could only speak a little English even then people couldn’t understand what I was saying.

So I started an English class in Uddingston community centre. At first I found it very difficult but as the months past, my English got better and my confidence grew.

I started to understand road signs, street name, shop name and newspaper.

And because my English lessons I started to pronounce my words more clearly and people begin to understand me in English conversation.

This gave me confidence to do normal things that Scottish people take for granted like phone my doctor for an appointment and being able to take a bus because I can read destination to tell the bus drivers where I’m going and asked the cost of the fair.

And I now feel confidence enough to have free flowing conversation with my neighbour and my husband family.

And now because I can read and write, and conwerse in English to good standard. It make me feel less isolated, happy and relaxed. I can now handle any situation or problems because of my better understanding of English. Because of my new found confidence I would like to go to college and do a hair and beauty course and when I finish the course I hopefully get a job in the beauty business.

Supaporn Chanixong

77 I am 52 years old. I have attending the SOLVE Lanark Group for over a year now, but still feel like every day is like my first. I had quite a difficult childhood, due to being physically disabled and did not receive any sort of meaningful education in the various institutions I grew up in. Throughout my life I have had to struggle to be accepted for the person I am and not the perceptions of people who can't look beyond the outside of a person.
Over the past year I have begun to feel like a real person again and that has a lot to do with the confidence and respect I have gained at the literacy class I attend. I love working with my Tutor, Isobel, who really believes in me and encourages me all the time. My ultimate ambition is to pass a Standard Grade Maths exam and hopefully with the progress I am making, this is a goal this can be achieved.

Learner from Lanark

76 Hi, I joined my class in March 2007. A friend, who works beside me, had told me all about the class and what she was doing. This was something that I had been thinking about for some time and so I agreed to come along and see what it was like.
When I was at school, I was bullied and I felt that I did not learn as much as I could have done. Now I feel I can learn all the things I missed out on, with this class. I would have loved to have gone to college when I left school, but felt that I did not have the basic knowledge or confidence. With the class now improving my spelling and maths, I would like to move on to another job. I am now more able to fill out application forms and my confidence has really improved. Perhaps, maybe in the future, I will go to college and improve myself further.

Learner from South Lanarkshire

75 I am 27 years old and I come from Carluke. I attend the SOLVE Lanark group for Adult Literacy and Arts and Crafts. I really enjoy both classes, especially being in a group situation. I like to improve my numeracy skills and have found the class really helpful. Since attending classes at SOLVE, I have gone on to volunteer in Oxfam and at present, CAB, where I am responsible for cash handling. I feel my confidence has improved and with the experience of volunteering behind me, I now feel more able for paid employment.

Learner from Carluke

74 I'm 35 and I have a son who is 4 years old. I started the literacy class in January of this year. At school I didn't feel that I was very good at maths, so I decided to take the oppurtunity to brush up my skills. I was initially quite wary at attending this course, as it has been 20 years since I have done any sort of maths, which was a scary prospect for me. I was made to feel very comportable on the first day, which really helped, as I'm not that confident when meeting new people. The tutor made me feel relaxed and was very helpful and understanding.
When I was at school, I did really struggle with maths. Since starting the course though, I have managed to work out fractions, decimals, percentages, area and even Pythagorus! I have really understood this time around and I have also found a bit more confidence with meeting new people.

Learner from South Lanarkshire

73 My learning experience has been bumpy. In primary school no-one noticed I had any problems until P6, when a tutor came in for a week. He noticed I was a bit slower and never read out loud like the rest of the kids. I always wanted to, but couldn't because I had no confidence, which got me really frustrated. After that people tried to help but it sometimes just seemed to make things worse. Instead of trying to read more, I avoided it until high school. They gave me all the help I needed and it was good, but then I had to move again.
Over a period of time people still tried to help me, but the same feelings of anger and frustration kept coming to the surface. Now I am attending the literacy classes I'm trying again to improve my reading and spelling. Don't get me wrong, I can read enough to get me by in everyday things but I couldn't read a book. Now though, I have started with a book for starters and it feels good just in trying to read a bit more. I now feel more confident even though I still get frustrated. I still have fun though, learning and improving both reading and spelling.

Learner from South Lanarkshire

72 Nine months ago I and my husband made the most important decision in our life: "We are leaving our country forever. We are ambitious, intelligent and well-educated persons, so we can do it".    We sold and gave out all our belongings and in October we flew to Scotland.

When we began to organise our new life, it turned out that everything was more difficult than we thought. The main reason for our troubles was language. Although we had learnt English in school (to tell truth 20 years ago) it was not enough to live normally. In addition, Scottish language differs from English and Scots speak very fast, indistinnctly and with strange accent.

Thus, a great problem for me was each going out and attending any busines. I was frightened of traveling by bus, shopping, meeting a doctor etc. Even when I stayed at home, I feared that somebody could knock at the door or the phone could rang. I felt very bad and often asked oneself questions:" Who I am?

In the past I participated in managing 100 persons and a few million PLN. Now I don`t cope with the simplest matters. Everything is so hard and stresfull". I have lost self-confidence. That`s why I started study English. Firstly, I learnt at home, then I began to attend English courses in Family Centre. I and my friends who speak different languages meet (only) once a week and it was very useful, I spended a nice time. We share the same problems so we can exchange our experiences and try to help each other. At present, I don`t feel so isolated and I have a little confidence.

I have become more courageous  and open. If I need some information I onself call, check in Internet or ask. I have plans for the futher. I`m going to study in college and find a good job. I know that before me there is a long and hard way, but my whole life depends on my own initiative and openess of mind. Learning will help me in realising my aims. I hope, that achieved knowledge will allow me to raise the quality of our life. 

Learner from South Lanarkshire

71 Has taken me out of the house where I have been staying in constantly and has given me the confidence to mix with people and I have made new friends and it has helped my depression and made me feel less stupid. I am managing to do things I thought I was to stupid to do.I hope to do more courses as my teacher makes it so easy to deal with the course work and makes me feel as though I could go back to gainful employment, and I can also help my daughter on the computer with her work.
Cathkin High Thursday night class PC Passport.

Learner from South Lanarkshire

70 I have learned how to use a computer. I much more confident met a wide range of people. Their is a crèche available for my son's . Our teacher is very good at explaining what we need to do. I am hoping to go on and do more course's as I have gained more confidence and met new friends. The class is very relaxed and everyone can go at their own pace. I am able to find things out about the world and the environment. I am able to pass on my knowledge to my own children and help them out with any homework that they have.
 

Learner from Cathkin

69 I have really learned a lot of new skill, new company and there is a creche for my children. My children in joy coming here if they happy then l can learn more because my child are settle. Teacher in my courses are really helpful. I would like to learn more l an like a sponge the more imformation the more knowledge l have for live. I would like to go on to do more.

Learner from Cathkin

68 I can go on a computer and not scared of it. I can book my holiday. Better still when people are just chatting about things on the computer I am in touch with the conversation. Not justing sitting. Kidding I know what they are talking about. I have more convidence and I have met lots of new friends. Also the ongoing learning is just great. Also everyone is so helpful. I look forward to my thursday evenings.

Sandra Keary

67 I have always been afraid of Computures in the past but now having spent a few nights  at a Computer class my fears have been alleviated since having some of the workings have been explain to me

CATHKIN HIGH THURSDAY NIGHT CLASS P C PASSPORT
I hope to learn a bit more as I attend some more night classes.

Tommy Gilmour from Cathkin

66 I HAVE BEEN AN ADULT LEARNER FOR THE PAST YEAR. IN THAT YEAR I HAVE LEARNED ALOT ABOUT COMPUTER SKILLS.  WHICH HAS HELPED ME FEEL MORE CONFIDENT WITH MY PC SKILLS. IT HAS ALSO HELPED ME WITH MY JOB. IT HAS ALSO GOT ME OUT TO SOCILISE WITH OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMUNNITY. I AM VERY GRATFULL FOR HAVING THIS OPPERTUNITY TO BE ABLE TO HAVE ADULT LEARNING. CATHKIN HIGH THURSDAY NIGHT .

Learner from South Lanarkshire

65 Enjoying new company all in the same  boat and gaining confidence in using the computer  CATHKIN HIGH THURSDAY NIGHT CLASS  P C PASSPORT
l Looking forward to extending my knowledge.

Learner from South Lanarkshire 

64 I Enjoy the course as it has made life a lot more comfortable for me using the computer.
I enjoyed using the different pacages i.e. word access ect. I do hope to learn a lot more on future
courses.

Learner from South Lanarkshire 

63 I've got a lot more confidence to help my kids with there home work. its given me more confidence to look for work next year. it has a creach for the kids which is great and my made new freinds and ive got over my agrophobia as the taxi picks me and the kids up from the house. i think everyone should have the chance to learn.

Cathkin High  pc passport.

Janice from South Lanarkshire

62 Great being able to mix more with people in my community inside and outside courses now.enjoying computing now instead of being frightened to touch any of the buttons.

Cathkin High  pc passport.

Kenneth from South Lanarkshire

61 I am 56 years old and I have worked in a professional office for the last 25 years. I have always had difficulty with writing or spelling, when asked to complete reports or letters. I decided
at the end of last year it was about time I faced up to the fact that I needed help.
I joined the group in the Salvation Army on a Thursday night and was surprised to find how friendly and helpful both the students and teachers were. The group work very well, there is always someone who has had a problem or some difficulty with words during the week. No one judges or comments on what ever you are working on.
I feel that the class has given me support and confidence when asked in the office to write emails, faxes or letters. People perception of the Adult Learning Groups is that it is for someone who has no basic reading or writing skills. In my case it has helped me with the spelling of words I maybe have not used for years. I look forward to a Thursday night with the group.

Learner from South Lanarkshire

60 I have been an adult learner now for almost a year and I really enjoy the classes. This learning experience has made me more confident and motivated to do things which I would never have considered before. I have been doing a lot more reading and this has inspired me to think more about what I read. This inspired me to go to an event in Hamilton Town House with the author Des Dillon. I was really impressed with his outlook and views on life and how he wrote about them. I have now become interested in different styles of writing and this has encouraged me to write my own short stories. I now feel more confident to try anything new and with the help of my tutors, John and Anne, hope to continue to improve my spelling.
 

Learner from South Lanarkshire

59 In the past I feel that I have missed out on better jobs through lack of confidence in my spelling ability.In March 2004, I plucked up the courage to come to the class. I had seen the advert on the TV for The Big Plus and telephoned to attend the class in Hamilton. I was very nervous that first night and didn't know what lay in front of me.
During my time in the class, I have improved my spelling and reading and feel much more confident about myself, to the extent that I decided to try something that I had always wanted to do, First Aid. Luckily enough another member of the class was also interested but was reluctant to go by himself. I suggested we go together and we both enrolled together. We completed the twelve week course and passed the end of course exams. I was very proud to be presented with my certificate and this has now allowed me to be a volunteer at various events.
I feel by attending the classes, they have enabled me to achieve one of my ambitions.

Learner from South Lanarkshire

58 Almost a year has passed now since I first spoke to Dorothy about joining a literacy class. She spoke to me at length about my problem, which was spelling and writing. She reassured me that I was not alone and that the number of people with similar problems would surprise me. I told her about my work experience and what I had done in my working life. Fortunately for me, I have always worked and my spelling problems have never held me back.
I am now 60 years old and have recently been made redundant. I have got a hearing problem, caused by an illness I had as a child, which has made getting a job a little bit more difficult. At this stage in my life I want to still improve and still work, which is why I am attending classes so as to help with application forms and general confidence. I cannot praise my tutor, John, enough for what he has done for me so far. We started off on writing practice sheets to improve my writing technique and this was the start of a long road to improvement. I can say, hand on heart, that my confidence has improved a lot and I can now look forward as a result of the work I have done.

Learner from South Lanarshire 

57 Hi, my name is Kirsty and I have been coming to the class now from August 2006. The first time I came to the class I was very embarrassed, nervous and a bit frightened. I think I felt that way because I was 24 years old and if people saw that I couldn't read or spell well, they would laugh at me. I soon found out that this was not the case. My tutor, John, was very understanding and made me feel very at ease and within a couple of weeks of going to the class, all of those bad feelings had gone away.
I feel in the short time I have been attending the class, my spelling has definitely improved and continues to do so. The class has not only improved my spelling but has given me the confidence to join the library. I now go down to the library with my daughter, Sophie, once a week and we get a book each.
I now try and make time at home for myself to read more, which is something I never used to do. The funny thing is I really enjoy reading now, but before it was a real struggle. I now feel much more comfortable and confident about myself.

Kirsty from Larkhall

56 I am 60 years old. I left school when I was 15 years of age. I was very lucky to get a job right away, as an apprentice bricklayer. Through the years I have always managed to avoid paperwork on this type of job.
When I got married at first, I told my wife that I could not read or write. She understood and said it was ok and from that point she dealt with all the house paperwork. I suppose at that point I then became lazy and didn't bother to learn and I am now regretting it. I did start going to a class about four years ago and did improve my reading but after a while I stopped because I didn't think I was making much progress.
Then, about six months ago I decided to give it another go and joined the class at the Salvation Army Hall in Hamilton. I knew that I had relied on my wife for too long and was afraid that I would not be able to cope with any paperwork, if or when she was no longer here. The first night I was really nervous but after that things were good. The class is very relaxed and good fun to go to. My reading and spelling have definitely improved, as has my confidence, compared to six months ago. My wife has also noticed as I am leaving little notes around the house now that she can understand! I will continue to attend the class until I improve a lot more.

Learner from South Lanarkshire

55 I felt fantastic and proud when my 2 year old grandson gave me his Thomas the Tank Engine book to read to him and I was able to do it!!!  This was my reason for joining the Adult Learners Course but there's more.

I can now
          write my wife's name on her birthday card for the first time

          write all my families' names

          join in games with the family at Christmas instead of finding an excuse
          order my own meal from a simple menu instead of getting my wife to do it

          sign a petition or put my name and address on a raffle ticket instead of avoiding these
          people in the Town Centre

These are simple everyday things which I couldn't do before.

When my own weans were young my wife read to them and when they would bring me a book I told them to take it to their mother as I was too busy.  I did not want that to continue.  So when I was able to read this book out loud to my grandson I felt a tingle go through me and IT WAS FANTASTIC.

Archie from East Kilbride 

54 For the last 3 years I have been studying at night classes various techniques of reading and writing.  I have learned how to spell and how to use punctuation marks.  This has made a vast difference to my life.  In many ways what I have learned I try to pass onto less fortunate persons. I also go for computer lessons this has made life interesting.

Brian from South Lanarkshire

53 My Good, well I should say Great News!
Since November 2006 I have been attending a computer class.  Before I started the class all I knew about computers was how to turn them on and play some games.

Now I have a whole new perspective to the computer world, I can go on the internet, I have managed to work my way through Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Paint.  In these subjects I've learned how to do menus, spreadsheets, pie and graphic charts and mail merge.  Also type out letters with personnel logos, which I did through Microsoft Paint this was great fun.  When I have finished my next assessments I will be learning how to PowerPoint and I can't wait for this challenge.

This has been a great learning experience for me and I would like to thank Community Learning and also my tutor from Motherwell College Rod Marshall.

Thank you all!

Shirley Clark  from Blantyre.

52 I did an Adult literacy and Numeracy class several years ago then I had an opportunity to progress onto the Prince’s Trust through New Deal.  After this, I went to Reid Kerr College to do an NC Commercial Photography course, followed by attending Cardonald College to do a Get Ready for Work course.  I then decided to come back to Solve to brush up on my literacy skills.  After a few months I got referred to the Adult literacy department at Motherwell College to do Drama and literacy.
I enjoy the Drama very much because I get involved in a lot of the plays and it lets us learn how to write our own scripts, then perform them in front of an audience to make them aware of how you can get help through the Big Plus.
I have benefited positively in gaining confidence in myself and have a better outlook on life.  I have enjoyed meeting new people and as well as getting to know them better.
I attended a 12 week Social Development Prince’s Trust programme it was very challenging and involved canoeing, abseiling and skiing.  It was very scary but I tried my best to reach the challenges that where placed in front of me.

Learner from Lanark

51 What have I learned through Community Learning I have learned to E-Mail now I can keep in touch with my grandchildren I have learned to find and book a holiday for my mother on the internet and I have found cheaper Car Insurance which was a great help, with sounds as though all I have done is the internet but no I have been able to help in a Local Community Centre when we have no paid staff and volunteers have all the work in running it I was able to keep accounts through using the Excel program to watch our money. I now have the confidence to go to a office where they have paid workers and set up a Data base for community transport by myself to keep a record of clients .The friendships that have grown in the class over the years has given us all a feeling of it doesn't how old we are we can still learn .

Jean from South Lanarkshire 

50 I was given the opportunity to start a computer  class and hoped it would be a way to keep my brain working with a fresh challenge. It has enabled me to meet people and make friends and this has led me to pass on my knowledge in a voluntary capacity.  I have gained confidence and have been rewarded in seeing confidence grow in others who like myself were complete beginners. It's good to know that it is never to late to learn a new skill. Due to a new friendship I have taken up further voluntary work in another area which I would not have had the confidence to do previously.

Sandra from South Lanarkshire 

49 As secretary of our local Talking Newspaper, computer skills let me produce good-looking minutes, write thank-you letters for donations, keep easily-accessible files of reading teams, of AGM procedure and of regular sponsors.

As someone recently widowed, I used a data base to make a schedule of my husband's many, many books, noting their condition, date of publication, author and title and subject-matter.
As a retired teacher, I have noted with wide-eyed admiration the skills of William, who instructs us.  He has the patience of Job with all our forgetfulness and silly mistakes, but his optimism that we will all "pull through" never falters!

As a voter on May 3rd this year, I have been able to ignore the screaming political messages on the election material cascading through my letter box, and enjoy analysing the format, the borders, the inserts and the watermarks of the leaflets.
I wish that all of the adults in Rutherglen could have the fun I've been having every Tuesday evening.

Jill from South Lanarkshire

48 Since I started the "Computer for Terrified Course" Several Years ago and the other Classes for Computing in Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Databases i now feel these new skills working with a Computer makes me feel more confident. Also the Class that i joined meant i met new friends and the Class work as a Group at times to solving any problems that may arise while working on a Computer.

Also i can do things on the Internet like looking to book a holiday, paying utility Bills etc which i never thought i would do. I suppose the old saying that an old dog is never too old to learn, which i suppose is true relating to me now. Also finding out how to send emails which keeps me in touch with relations abroad, instead of the usual way by sending a letter. I feel these skills were a blessing for me.   

Samuel from South Lanarkshire

47 "IT classes" Being retired for 22 years the computing skills have changed greatly since I last was involved so I ventured to the "Computing for the Terrified" Since then many more skills have developed and also it has built up my confidence in dealing with local government officials and MSPs and other people involved in the regeneration of my area In being taught these skills it has built up my confidence made many friends thought the class attendance The use of the Internet Email msn messenger Mail merge and many others has opened up a brand new world of communications In all it has allowed me to put back something back into the community.
 

James from South Lanarkshire

46 I have learned a lot since joining this class,made lots of friends and we are going to other classes. The confidence that I have aquired since joining now I e-mail my daughter in TEXAS USA and get photographs of my great grandaughter from the USA. When joining this class was so nervous that logging into the computer was a disaster now I am an expert. Thanks go to my tutor William Reynolds for all his help.

Evelyn from South Lanarkshire 

45 This has been the biggest and best thing I've gotten involved in since leaving school, It's all about putting it   back into the community too, new skills that can be used, also group working, also to ask for help without feeling stupid, feeling quite proud that I CAN LEARN, the friends ive met too and knowing that computers are a thing for the future and i'm all for it!, so when's the next class going to start after this ones finnished, because i want to be top of the list.

Isobel from South Lanarkshire

44 Hi, my name is Debbie and I live in Larkhall. I am 25 years old and I have been a housewife from the age of 19. I have two young children, Jamie-Lee,6, and Leonie, 15 months.
I have been attending the Brush Up Your Skills course since January 2007. I do enjoy John's class. I have been working on my maths with John and he always takes time to make sure you know what you are doing and helps whenever needed.
I have now gained more confidence from attending the class, which is why I will continue to attend and now hopefully improve my English skills.
In the beginning I wasn't even sure that I would come back after the first week because I did struggle with maths at school. Having a tutor though whenever you need it, is a great incentive. It is also great to have some ME time, away from the kids and the house, which helps lift my mood as I do sometimes suffer from depression. My class has really helped though and allowed me to fffeel part of a group again.

Debbie from Larkhall

43 I came to Adult Learners in about October 2006. I came to improve my spelling and to gain more confidence with my work life and enhance my chances of getting a better job.  I first heard about the course at SLC 'Spotters and Referrals' where I picked up information about 'The Big Plus'.  I now have my own tutor to help me and I'm now gaining more confidence with my spelling.  In my job I have lots of paperwork to do.  My job at SLC is that of a Community Warden.  Our job is to note things like graffiti and fly tipping.  The words I use in my job on a daily basis and I find difficult to spell, I put in a small book, which I carry around with me for reference when writing reports.  This helps me a lot.  The place that I attend is pleasant, friendly.  We have laptops provided for our use, which is very helpful in our class.  We are starting to learn to use them which may help me search for a new job in an office environment.

Leaner from South Lanarkshire

42 My name is Pauline and I came to the Adult Learning class just over a year ago. It has given me so much more confidence now, which I had lacked all my life because of my inability to read and spell. It was not easy to come through the door for the first time but once I did, my tutors made me feel at ease. Both John and Enid have helped me with everything I have learned. When I look at words now, I am much more able to recognise which are right and which are wrong.

I have also gone to college to do a computer course, which before I would not have had the confidence to do. Also, for the first time in my life, I can fill in my own forms and I love it! This year I sent away for my passport all by myself, for the first time. I can't tell you how it made me feel, especially when you think you are stupid all your life. To realise you can learn later in life, is a wonderful feeling!

I now read every day, do word searches and crosswords and generally enjoy learning new things. I can't thank everyone enough for their help. I hope other people that have any literacy problems get to hear about this service, because it has certainly changed my life.

Pauline from South Lanarkshire

41 I enjoy coming here to SOLVE in Lanark, because I meet a lot of other people and they are all good friends now. I catch up on lots of things I didn't get at school. I get on well with everyone here - John the tutor and all the other people who help teach me.
I was quite ill for a long time (about 6 months) and I couldn't come and I missed quite a few classes.
I feel I am getting better with my reading and writing. I can write some words now, but I couldn't even write the letters of the alphabet before.
I would really like to be able to write letters to my sister Lena who lives in Sydney, Australia and to be able to read her letters to me. It would be great if I could catch up on my reading so I can read the newspaper (and get the football results!) I will also be able to read my text messages and send them to my pals.   (Scribed by F. Sweetnam, volunteer)

David from Lanark

40 LEARNING MY ALPHABET.

I started at the adult literacy group in November 2006. I was unable to read or write.  Iwas so nervous on my first day that I was shaking badly and wanted to run away.  My social worker suggested that I attend and I thought it would be interesting.  I have enjoyed the learning enviroment and made a lot of friends during this time with much the same needs as myself.  My tutors name is John and he made me feel important and gave me the courage to try.  I enjoyed the encouragement and knowing I was not alone.  I attempted the work and completed my homework with encouragement from my family.  Once I learned my alphabet I felt wonderful and was eager to move onto the next stage. It felt great!!!!  I then moved onto the months and days of the week.  Then I learned about vowels and the beginning of how to spell correctly.  I could not wait to go home and share my good news.  My parents and little sister were over the moon and shared my accomplishments with me.  My brother-in-law is !
now waiting to join the programme and progress as I have done.

Mary from Lanark

39 My name is Heather Schelyer and I attend the ALAN team group on a Monday morning at SOLVE in Lanark. I come along to improve my writing and spelling skills and I have my own tutor to help me. I feel I have improved my skills immensely and I enjoy coming along. It has improved my confidence in doing other things. I also volunteering the CAB, where I am responsible for putting data into the computer.
Since joining the SOLVE group I have felt part of the community and feel much less isolated, meeting lots of new friends. It has improved my skills enough to maybe help me towards paid employment, which is my goal in life.
Since coming to SOLVE, I feel more independent and less dependent on others despite my illness and like to try things on my own. I also attend a Craftability group, to do different crafts. Before I joined the group I had no artistic skills, but now I can make cards, silk paint and generally have ago at anything. Now I will try any new learning experience.

Heather from Lanark

38 When I first came to the literacy class in SOLVE I had no confidence with my reading and writing. Now I have a better understanding of written words and how they look. I can now read, spell and write much better. If I have something to read or write now at home or outside, I feel more confident in my ability. I am no where near as stressed now as I was. I like to attend the morning group as it gives me a focus for the rest of the day.
Not only does the class help me with my reading and spelling, it has also shown me that I am not alone and I feel part of a group.. I used to feel ashamed of myself at first but now I can hold my head high.

Angus from Lanark

37 When I was at school, I always put my numbers and letters in the wrong places. I was bullied at school because I could not spell very well. The bullies would always use that against me. I used to get help with my reading, which they called paired reading. My friend, Stacy, helped me with my reading every week. She would take me out of classes to help me and was really nice about it. She also helped me get into a football team at Lesmahagow High School. I know Stacy helped me because my reading got a bit better and she made me feel better about myself because I was part of the football team. My sister was also in the team ad we won most of our games. After my sister left school though, the bullying started again and I found myself missing school to avoid it.

I have regretted this for a while now, but have now joined the literacy class at SOLVE to catch up with my reading, writing and spelling, so that I can get back to work and get myself out of the house. Since joining the group, I've got a lot of my confidence back. I get a lot of help and support from my tutor Mary. The first day I came to the group I was really surprised because Mary read a paragragh from a book, for me to write down. I was really pleased with myself beacause I got most of the words right. When I told my family they were really proud of me because I was doing something to help myself. I now know that there are other people just like me with problems with their reading, spelling and writing and I don't feel so bad now.

Lynn from Lanark

36 I have been working on improving my work application forms and updating my CV. This has improved my writing skills and I am now able to sell my self better to possible employers.  The outcome  of this, is that I have have been to more interviews and been more focused in what kind of career I want to become established in. It has also given me more confidence in my self and improved my ability to express my self, also it has improved my communication skills.

Alan from South Lanarkshire

35 In 2001 I lost my job and went to the job centre.  When I explained to them that I wanted to improve my reading and writing skills, they told me about the learners class at Glengowan School in Larkhall.

I met Wendy and Roz who worked there and I began attending every week.  At first it felt strange and I was very nervous.  I kept myself to myself.  I had to start from scratch, with the alphabet and some weeks I felt I made no progress at all, but other weeks I improved a lot.

Gradually as my confidence improved, my work improved and I began to mix more with the group.  I also felt confident enough to take a computing course and I completed "Computing for the Terrified" in 2005.  I would never have done this before coming to Glengowan.

I think that the Learners class is very worthwhile and has been a very positive experience for me. 

If I can do it anyone can, but you must really want to do it in the first place.  Its not easy to begin with, but you must keep persevering and you will get there.

I would recommend it to anyone who wants to improve their reading and writing skills.

Learner from Larkhall

34 My English through Adult Learning has made me much more confident to read street names and directions.

So I was able to go on a holiday weekend to Edinburgh.  I visited the Art Galleries where I could read signs and catalogues.

Martin from South Lanarkshire 

33 Hi my name is Michelle Gray and i am attending Cathkin High on Wednesday evenings studing I T C. At present i am employed by S.L.C.as an early years worker based in Glenburgh Nursery. Isarted my course in October 2006 for many reasons. I felt i was holding myself back at work as i didn't know how to switch on a computer let alone print out any information needed to help other members of staff children and parents related throughout the nursery. Since the i have became very involved with my studies and am now going to be able to deliever my skills to parents throughout our centre. I hope to go forward in accsessing various courses which will open up new doors in my career.

Michelle from Cathkin 

32 I am currently at Cathkin High School learning computing, something i thought i could never do but i came to this class and cant beleive how interesting and understanding our tutour has made it I am going to take these classes as long as they continue I always thought i cant do that but i now have the confidance to take the cources as high as they go Hopefley i will be able to go from cleaning to something else. It would be so dissapointing if the funding was withdrawing from these cources as they benefit so many people.

Isabel from Cathkin

31 Cathkin High School Wednesday Night
Going back into education in your adult years can be a bit scary.  I came along with a friend who had started the course the week before and didnt now what to expect, but found the course very relaxed and the teacher explained things in simple terms that were easy to pick up so found my self coming back every week since. I have really got into the course and would love to carry on and go on and do certificate level. I have realised that this course can help me progress in my work as I was always weary of the computer in my work place. My confidence has come on in this area. It was a great help that this course is a free one as i dont think I would have managed to fund it on my own.

Learner from Cathkin

30 As a retied person I am pleased to have attended this computer course on Wednesday evening at Cathkin High School .I have found that the pace of learning has suited me and that it has helped me to cope with my duties as treasurer of another group I attend. Withn the class being loal and easy to get to ,there is no pressure involved in travelling and I can get home in time to catch my favourite Tv programme. The teacher Mr Reynolds has shown grat patience and has instilled confidence in me.

Anna from Cathkin

29 After some weeks at the Wednesday night class at Cathkin High School I now feel that I have joined the twenty-first century and am now looking forward to the next step. This is a wonderful opportunity for an oldie like me.

Dorothy from Cathkin

28 I joined the compture classes over a year ago and i was scared of the computer but know i have settled very well. i feel quite happy coming to my class as everyone is very happy and we all mix together. i wish to keep up my classes in the future . i like my class is at free and i get a lift to my class.

Margaret from South Lanarkshire

27 Cathkin High School Wednesday night 7.00 - 9.00
Enjoy getting out learning to operate the computer to help me with work, want to go on and do
the PC passport. It is locale for me and have made friends going to class.

Eleanor from Cathkin

26 I really look forward to going to my classes with Lindsay and Liz.

Through the work I get from Lindsay and Liz I have learned to spell loads of new words and I've got to know the meaning of them. I can read a lot better now and I don't make as many mistakes.   It's not just reading and spelling there's a lot of other things they have taught me. I can't thank them enough.

I'm a lot more confident now. I've even helped in the class a couple of times. I'ts a great feeling having the confidence and the know-how to help someone else.

Now I do voluntary work for the youth club and I also have a job with them. Now I have certificates having done courses such as child protection, Introduction to Counselling and at the present time I am doing St Andrews First Aid.

I have also been in touch with an organisation to do voluntary work as a Be Friender. Hopefully next week I will start my training, it takes 5 weeks and if I pass I will have a child for a couple of hours a week for a year.

That is not all. Lindsay has been doing a lot work with me so I can do a communication module. really hope I will be able to do it and pass.

I am really pleased that I got in contact with Adult Learning and got Lindsay and Liz for teachers as they gave me a lot of work and encouragement and it has paid off. I am doing a lot more with my life now.

I'm a lot more confident now. I've even helped in the class a couple of times.
 

Learner from South Lanarkshire

25 My Tutor asked me to do some research so I could write a biography of a famous singer so I went to the library and got out a book on Dean Martin, but it didn't tell me much about him, so I went onto the internet and did a search (Yahoo). Using the search engine I printed off his biography, only to find that his real name was different from what he goes by on stage. He was born Dino Crocetti on June 7th 1917. I was also shocked to find out that he had four children and not two.

Margaret from Blantyre

24 I assumed after my stroke 45 years ago that I couldn't read or write. Then I saw there were Community Learning classes in the library and signed up.   Have been coming to Adult Literacy classes for 41/2 years and now it's coming.  But it's HARD!

I can read the front page of the Sun now and some of the other articles.  This year I've started to write again all of a sudden.  I'm delighted!

Now when I write something down I can tell when it is right  or wrong.   I'm confident that this year or next I'll be able to write business letters for myself.   Fantastic!

Olaf from South Lanarkshire

P.S. I wish I could come to classes everyday -- even on a Sunday !

23 As a full time carer for my husband and mum to two lively teenagers I lead a busy, hectic and often stressful life.  I'm always busy thinking about others and that leaves little time for ME.
'Learning' is a great way to take time for myself and I'm a regular attendee of the Training for Carers courses.
When a specialist course was offered on MS I believed that, as I had been living and caring for my husband's MS for 12 years, I knew it all.  However, I went along.  That's when I found out there's always something new to learn!
Now I have a much better understanding of the illness and understanding helps me cope.
Now I've learned how to assist my husband's poor mobility there are no more recurring injuries and I'm pain free.
It's good to learn and there's an added bonus in joining a class.  I enjioyed the company of other carers as we shared our problems, our stories and laughed together at things no one else could understand.  We shared our experiences; after all, carers are the experts.
I've a whole new set of friends; I cope better and feel valued.
Learning isn't just about gaining knowledge; it's about the experience.  Everyone should try it!

Mary Ann from South Lanarkshire

22 Coming to the courses has given me a new lease of life, instead of just working and housework.   It was easy to settle into the course as everyone was friendly and helpful.

I enjoy creative writing.   Writing about my childhood and photography really surprised me about how much I could remember.  

When writing about these I was unaware of anyone or what was going on around me.   I was completely focused and it was like going back in time and it was just my Dad and I.   I found it comforting but a bit emotional as it was like having contact with him again.

I have helped one of the other learners and found it to be a very rewarding experience.   We have gone through numerous books and to see the improvement in the learner is both satisfying and exciting.   This is something I would like to develop in the future.

I am glad to have had the opportunities that have come my way through the course and hopefully will have more in the future.

Learner from Lanark 

21 When you are looking for a job you need to be able to read and write fairy well.   I needed to improve my skills.   I feel a lot more confident now than I did at the start.   One of the things I noticed that it was not just me who needed to improve their skills, knowing this helped me. 

Now I can read text messages a lot better than what I was before I came on to the class.   I can also read the headlines where as before I would just ignore the paper.   I am no longer ashamed to tell other people.   My confidence has grown quite a bit and I am trying other things like looking at the Internet and finding out about West Life.

In time, I would like to be able to read books and also programmes you get at the concerts.  that would make me feel a lot better.  I have bought these books in the past but they just lie in the drawer.

This has been a good experience for me and I already have said to other folk I know that they should do it.

Marie from Forth

20 Before I came to the class I did not tell anybody that I had difficulty with my reading.   But now I don't mind telling some people.   I don't really know why I did not tell people, I think it was because I was a bit ashamed at my age not being able to read very well.  I was terrified when I started but they have time to work with us.   All this has meant that I am more confident than I was in the past.   In the past when signing on I made excuses when it came to filling in forms forms for jobs (I said I forgot my glasses), but now I just tell them.

Now I can get the logon ticket from the library myself and have a go at doing things on the computer for the first time.   I intend, in the near future, to log on to the internet and find things I am interested in e.g. jigsaw puzzels.

I am really glad I had the courage to phone up and ask about the class and would say to anybody who struggles with their reading to do the same.

Helen from Forth

19 I came to the class to learn to read and write and build up my confidence and to prove to myself and others that in time I could do it. I can tell people that I’m dyslexic and not be ashamed to say it.  I know that in time I could get a job that I would enjoy because when I left school I went for jobs I didn’t have to read and write in. I can pick up a paper and know what is in the paper and just do simple things in day to day life that not that long ago I thought were impossible. It’s still hard but I am learning every day just as life intended.

Kevin Whyte.

18 After my mother died I needed to fend for myself.  I needed help to read my mail and I was not very confident.  The classes have made a big difference to me.  I can now read some letters, I am much more confident and I get on better with other people.  I can even help my niece with her homework! I am a much happier person and I hope to encourage others to come to the classes as well.

Jackie (Tuesday Morning)  

17 My mother died over 10 years ago and I needed help with reading and writing. I started coming to the classes then and I have been coming ever since.

I am much better at reading my mail and filling in forms although I still need some help. I have attended regularly and I have had some very good tutors. I am much more confident and happier in myself.

The classes have been such a help to me. I think more people should come and get the help I got.  

Billy (Tuesday Morning)

16 I enjoy the English class because we have a very good teacher.   To speak to the doctor without another person.   I want to speak to the doctor without another person.   I want to speak to my childrens teachers at parents meetings.   I want to know what my children are saying when they speak English.   The class has help me to be more confident.   I can now speak to Scottish people.

Tai Tai

15 I enjoy the English class because we have a very good teacher. I want to speak to the doctors without another person.

At the class I meet people from different cultures.

I want to be able to travel around Scotland on my own.

To understand timetables. I want to join in conversations at work with Scottish people.

The class has help me to be more confident. I can now speak to Scottish people.

Shira Gogolwa

14 Shortly after my arrival in Scotland, my husband and I set out to find an English language class. As my English was limited and often found conversations difficult, we decided, this was of paramount importance. After making some phone calls to Motherwell college and South Lanarkshire council, we were advised to contact Asha, she quickly arranged a meeting to discus what could be done to help me. We both found Asha to be a most pleasant and helpful lady. Not long after our meeting with Asha. I was offered a place at the Uddingston community Education class. Although it was only a couple of hours on a Monday morning. It was perfect. There were people from all over the world, all with the same goal as me, to improve their English.

Over the last six years, I have learned so much from all the teachers that have taken the time to help me. Not only can I now converse with confidence but can also read and write to a competent standard. The skills I have learned have helped me pass my driving test theory exam. I now wish to apply for a British passport and take the required English classes. I will never forget the kind people who have made all this possible for me.

Prathuang Chon Mckee from Uddingston

13 I am Marcin. Since 6 months I have attended English school. As I decide to improve my English skills. During lesson I gain my reading, writing and speaking skills.

In school I meet new friends, every body are friendly and helpful. Together we learn new interesting things. People in my class are from differend countries. Every body have got to show a diference  countries culture and show different life style. It looks like we are traveling around the world. So every lesson for me, it is like a travel throw the word, but I still seat on my chair.

In my class I start to built my confidence.   Nowadays I’m not afraid to talk with people

It was one of the best idea to start go to English school.

Marcin

12 I enjoy the English class because we have a very good teacher.

I want to find a job and to speak to the doctor without another person

I want to be able to travel around Scotland people

The class has help me to be more confident

I can now speak to Scottish people

Junjira Machaiyaphum

11 My name is Ingrid Part. I have been attending ESOL Classes at Holy Cross High School for sometimes.

At first I was very unhappy living in here as I did not understand people and I was afraid to talk to them. The reason was I may make mistakes and people will laugh.

When coming to Scotland one of my aim was to improve my English.

I was very glad that I could join the English classes. While coming to this class i have built confidence in talking about my learning programme which I was not aware of. I have achieved new vocabulary and grammar still. This has helped me to be confident in speaking with friends., at work, at the doctors, at bank, at travel agencies and so on. Thanks to my studies now I can read newspapers, I can participate in several cultural events, I have been to the theatre and travelled in Scotland.

I am able to help people to translate Russian and Estonian launguages into English.

My teachers are very friendly and they support me in every way. The lessons are various, different and interesting. This teaches have considered my needs and wishes to enlarge my vocabulary.

It was my right decision to join the English classes.

So I recommend everybody to join the classes then life in Great Britain will be more interesting and exciting and we have more better possibilities to get a new job.

I am very grateful to South Lanarkshire Learners centre especially to Asha. Many Thanks!

Ingrid Part

10 The Writing-about.net                          My Story

The writing-about.net is a great site.   When I entered my story “grahams car” on the site, the feed back was excellent

A lady from Larkhall said “yes” this is a typical man! But when both my stories were published in the book “voices” the achievement of having my stories in a book for evermore was amazing because “voices” is in every library in Scotland.

Graham McIntosh from Larkhall

9 I contacted Big Plus, this took a lot of courage on my part and on the day of my initial interview with the team I almost turned back but managed to make myself walk through that door, however I did walk through that door, and so glad I did. After so many years of having coping strategies in place which enabled me to carry out my job at the time. I decided it was time for me to deal with my Dyslexia.

Initially I lacked confidence in my abilities to laise with my tutors. But this soon changed due to the help and empathy I received from the team. Since my first steps in dealing with my Dyslexia I have applied for numerous jobs, had many positive interviews whereas in the post my interviews were on the negative side. Some of the things I have achieved have been writing my first letter to my grandson in the U.S.A and at present I am working on the next letter to my grandson in the U.S.A and at present I am working on the next letter. I contracted two of the companys after the interviews for feedback and just recently read another post which invited interested  parties to phone for an informed chat prior to completing the application form, which invited interested parties to phone for an informed chat prior to completing the application form, which I have also done and am in process of completing the application form.

My family are amazed of what I have achieved in such a short time and I would never have done this without the team at community learning.   

Gerry McCabe    

8 I found out that I was dyslexic and I didn’t know what to do.   Some one told me about Essential Skills and I went to see them.  It was the best move I ever made.

Straight away they helped me and said that it would take a long time but I would get as much support as they could give me.

I started off at the alphabet.  As the years went passed I got more confident.

I volunteered for a charity.  I was asked to do the till and Essential Skills helped me using plastic money.   I have now moved on to a bigger charity and am doing things I never thought I could do.   I hope to get a full time job with them.

I am now writing poems and have a book of them coming out.

This is all thanks to the classes and the people who have helped me.   My life has changed so much.

I am very grateful and I thank God for the day I walked through their door.

George Glen.

7 My name is Eva Haluskova and I am from Czezh Republic. I was a in my country and I enjoyed it.

Eva Haluskova

6 My name is David Sowa I have been attending Holy Cross High School six months ago. I came to Scotland in October last year.

I came to High Hollycross school in Hamilton for English lesson, because when i came to Scotland my English language was not good. I wanted to learn English language because that’s very important for me. I want to stay here a long time so when im going everywhere I know I must use English for example, any job, any shop. I choose that’s school becouse I live in Hamilton and that school is not long from my home, but that’s not important becouse for me is to met new persons I can talk to in English but im never practice just learnt.

When i’m here at English school I can progress my English. That school give me much confidence. I feel better, but I know that’s not all. On the lesson I learn grammar and talk. Our people are very nice and friendly maybe that just two hours in week but that’s very much for me. We come from different country we’re different but we speak in one language this language is English and that’s is very nice. English become for us first language. Every lesson give me much and I want to continue

David Sowa 

5 I enjoy the English class because I want to find a better job.  To speak to my doctor without my husband.   I want to speak to my childrens teachers at parents meetings.   I want to be able to travel around Scotland on my own.   I want to know what my children are saying when they speak English.   The class has help me to be more confident.   I can now speak to Scottish people.

Cindy

4 I have been going to English classes for two tears. I think  I got have made better in progress in my English.   This is because, before I could not make an appointment at the Hospital.   I can make it now.   I can communicate with my neighbours.   Just a little bit.   Above all, I am learning English at my pace.   I do not have stress.   I think, my teacher is very nice.

Chizuke Izaki from Uddingston

3 My school days just did n’t give me the chance to how off the abilty I knew I had. In every class I say by myself in am empty row completely ignored by the teacher.

It made me weak and vulnerable for the word and most of all the work environment. In my opinion that’s what brought my mental health problems.

Before community learning come into my life I felt like I was lost in a maze but meeting my tutor Lynsey showed me the road out of the maze. I have come on leaps and bounds ever since not just the three R’s but also with my mental health problems.

I went through life like a crumpled suit and now I feel as if the suits had a good press.

AF from Blantyre             

2 I enjoy the English class because we have a very good teacher.   I want to find a better job.   To speak to the doctor without my husband.   I want to speak to my childrens teachers at parents meetings.   At the class I meet people from different cultures.   I want to be able to travel around Scotland when they speak English.   I want to join in conversation at work with Scottish people.   The class help me to be more confident I can now speak to Scottish people.  

Annie

1 When I was a student in Japan, I studied English. So I could read and write, but  I couldn’t listen and speak.   I didn’t need to speak a foreign language.   Sometimes I saw foreigners and tried to avoid speaking to them.   Now I live in Scotland. People are very kind to me. I want to express ma appreciation. I just say “thank you”.   I started learning English at the community centre last August.   I don’t know whether I made progress or not.   I’m not so nervous when I face somebody who speaks English.   I’ll make efforts to master English.

Yukile Honda

Copyright © 2004  [South Lanarkshire Community Learning Service]. All rights reserved.
Revised: 01/28/10.