Book yourself an essential skills course

3 March 2008

The Department for Employment and Learning is urging over 250,000 adults here to improve their Essential Skills in the run up to World Book Day on 6^th March.

The annual worldwide celebration of reading books aims to promote the enjoyment of books, personal enrichment and parents and children reading together.

According to the National Literacy Trust, research has found that if parents read to their children they will make a significant contribution to the development and maintenance of their child’s educational success.

For one quarter of adults in Northern Ireland, reading to their children does not come so easy. Parents who struggle with their reading and writing can find this very stressful and demanding due to their low levels of literacy. As a result more parents than ever are signing up for FREE Essential Skills courses which are widely available throughout Northern Ireland.

Supporting World Book Day, Minister for Employment and Learning, Sir Reg Empey, said: “Research has proved that the ability to read does not only affect the parent but it can be detrimental to a child’s education.

“So far 30,000 adults have taken steps to improve their Essential Skills. Many of these learners are parents and strongly believe that by improving their own skills this will have a knock-on effect on their children’s skills and it will!

“World Book Day is the perfect opportunity to enrol on the Department’s free Essential Skills courses and I would encourage anyone experiencing literacy or numeracy difficulties to make that all important call today.”

If you think that World Book Day is the time for you to brush up on your Essential Skills, all you need to do is dial the free phone number, 0800 660800 or text “Press” to 60900 to obtain further information on available essential skills courses in your area.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The Essential Skills campaign began in October 2002.

2. World Book Day is now in its 11^th year.

3. Information regarding adult literacy and numeracy courses can be obtained by calling the Essential Skills free phone number 0800 660800 to speak to an adviser seven days a week from 8am – 10pm.

4. Key facts about Essential Skills courses:

Classes are FREE
Classes are informal and not like school
Some classes have free crèche facilities
Classes are held at different times of the day
You can learn at your own pace
You can learn in a small group
You can learn at a college, a local community centre, in work or online
You can learn using a computer
You can gain a qualification which employers recognise
You are never too old to learn

5.Media queries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872.

6. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.