Read Write Now supports adults from all walks of life, each with their own experiences, goals and challenges.
Some learners come after negative experiences at school or time away from learning, while others return later in life ready to take a new step forward. For some, it’s about managing dyslexia or learning difficulties. For others, it’s strengthening English as an additional language (EAL) or building workplace skills to keep up, grow, or move ahead.
Every journey is different—but each one is about building confidence, independence and new possibilities. These are just some of their stories.
Growing Past the Past
I just couldn’t understand how the other kids could just get it, how letters and numbers all seemed so easy. I remember being made an example of and still hear the teacher’s words: “See, this is what happens when you don’t pay attention.” READ FULL STORY
From Stroke to Storyteller
Ray Bekeris, a remarkable man who has worked hard on recovering his functional abilities after experiencing a significant stroke. Ray contacted Read Write Now as part of his quest to be able to read and write again, and not only to read and write, but, as it turned out, to write books. READ FULL STORY
Repetition, Patience, Success
Bernie, 28, has made remarkable progress overcoming severe dyslexia with the guidance of his tutor. From struggling with letters and phonemes to now reading books and writing his full name, address, and phone number. READ FULL STORY
Learning, Culture & Community Leadership
Cecil contacted Read Write Now after moving from the Kimberley region to Perth. Working as an Aboriginal Engagement Liaison Officer at a secondary school, he recognises the importance of ongoing learning and self-improvement. Cecil is committed to being a positive role model for young people, encouraging them to pursue their goals while maintaining a strong cultural identity, sense of belonging and connection. READ FULL STORY
A Journey to Literacy & Independence
‘When I arrived in Australia, I couldn’t read or write and could only spell my name and a few other letters. I joined Read Write Now 20 years ago. Now I can read and write very well but spelling is still challenging so I keep continuing.’ READ FULL STORY
Maureen’s Thank-You Letter
Maureen was matched with tutor Jan, and when their time together came to an end, she wrote a heartfelt letter of thanks.
READ FULL LETTER
Peter, who was approaching 60 years of age, was in fear of losing his job as his literacy problems prevented him from keeping up with workplace training. His tutor developed a learning program over a period of 2 years based initially on the forms, regulations and safety instructions in Peter’s workplace. Peter was not only able to keep his job, he was given a promotion and no longer had to worry about his worst fear, “…to be left on the scrap heap”.
Maria had lived in Western Australia for 30 years but never had the opportunity to learn to read and write in English. Breaking the mould of the traditional Italian grandmother, Maria wanted more in life than cooking and fussing over her family. She wanted to learn to read and write to obtain her driver’s licence and use a street directory and telephone book so she could do voluntary work in the community and later part-time study.
Brett, an apprentice plumber, was very competent on the job, but he struggled with reading and studying and his employer had given him the ultimatum to pass his TAFE exams. Brett sought the help of a Read Write Now tutor who developed a literacy program based on Brett’s course materials. With continued support, he successfully passed his exams and was able to continue his apprenticeship.
Rebecca always thought she was stupid because she could not spell and was a very weak reader. Her family were almost all illiterate and she was determined not to let that happen with her own children. When her daughter started school Rebecca was too scared to write a sick note, fearing that teachers would laugh at her. Two years after she started working with a tutor she enrolled at College, which led to eventually doing her university entrance exams. She started at Curtin University and graduated with distinctions in most subjects. Rebecca now writes tenders for a building company – very successful tenders too! Her children are now adults working in well paid jobs and forever grateful that Rebecca asked for help all those years ago to improve not only her life, but theirs as well.
