First ceremony for Literacy and Numeracy programme

Friday 1 April 2016

First ceremony for national Intensive Literacy and Numeracy programme

The first formal certificate ceremony for prisoners who have completed the Intensive Literacy and Numeracy programme was held in Hawkes Bay Regional Prison earlier this week.

Six men received their certificates in front of the programme provider Te Wānanga o Aotearoa (TWoA) as well as Corrections staff.

“Nearly 65% of the men and women in prison are below NCEA level 1 literacy and numeracy. This means they struggle to read and write,” says Fiona Hunter, Corrections’ Manager Programmes and Interventions – Education and Training.

“Lifting the literacy and numeracy levels of prisoners is the primary goal of Corrections’ agreement with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.”

Thanks to the Intensive Literacy and Numeracy programme, the men progressed from Step 1 and Step 2 on the adult literacy and numeracy progressions scale to Step 3 or above. In literacy the progression means they have moved from someone who can read very little to being able to read every day words with ease. In numeracy they have moved from being uncomfortable with numbers to being able to calculate simple equations and use tools for measurement.

Under the programme a typical learner receives 100 hours of tuition to help him or her progress to a higher step of literacy and numeracy skills. From there they will be better placed to transition into NZQA qualifications and gain the skills they need for employment.

“Research has shown that participation in education and employment can significantly reduce the risk of re-offending, which is why this programme is so important,” says Ms Hunter.

Tony Dowling, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa’s Innovation Development Group Director says the ceremony marked an important milestone. “It’s the first formal recognition for the programme’s participants since it started late last year. As well as increasing the men’s literacy and numeracy, it’s also encouraged them to set positive goals for their future which ultimately will provide them with a strong foundation to participate fully in all aspects of family and social life including higher levels of education.”

Of the men who received their certificates, one is now studying through the Open Polytechnic, another is studying Level 2 Certificate in Māori Studies through Eastern Institute of Technology and a third is using his new skills to better communicate in a medium intensity rehabilitation programme.

The programme integrates a Māori teaching style and basic te reo Māori literacy to increase English reading and numeracy skills.

John* said he enjoyed the whole course; “I enjoyed learning about the Treaty, the Maori language and the vowels.” He also said he learnt more about things that he thought he already knew including percentages and division.

“I would like to learn more about Māori culture to support my family. I also want to help people with disabilities.”

The national Intensive Literacy and Numeracy programme was launched in Arohata Prison in October 2015. Te Wānanga o Aotearoa secured an agreement to deliver programmes nationally and Methodist Mission Southern secured part of the agreement to deliver intensive literacy and numeracy programmes at Otago Corrections Facility.
TWoA is a large tertiary education organisation guided by Māori principles and values. Since April 2015, it has been delivering a National Certificate in Māori Level 2 (Te Waharoa), at five Te Tirohanga Units (formerly Māori Focus Units) in prisons.

ENDS

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