Brett McKenna’s learning journey has been shaped by a non-traditional education pathway and a strong desire for personal and professional change. Brett attended school until the age of 13 before being home-schooled from around Primary Year 4, with no formal schooling beyond this point. As a young adult, he worked as a farmhand in remote areas of Western Australia, developing practical skills and a strong work ethic, but with limited opportunity to build literacy skills.

Brett has since been assessed by the Dyslexia SPELD Foundation, confirming dyslexia as an ongoing learning challenge. Motivated to improve his life choices and open up new opportunities for work and study, Brett contacted Read Write Now with clear goals. He wanted to strengthen his spelling, writing and reading comprehension, particularly to improve his ability to write text and email messages more efficiently and confidently. Brett’s long-term goal is to change careers by returning to study.

During Semester Two, Brett and his tutor Sara Russell have worked consistently on literacy development. His tutor also supported him to explore study pathways, sharing clear information about TAFE options and available support services. He is now enrolled at TAFE to complete his secondary school certificate.

On Monday, 2 February, Brett shared his reading and writing journey and his struggles at school on ABC Radio Sydney, speaking openly alongside others about adult literacy challenges. He appeared on the afternoon program with James O’Loghlin, helping to raise awareness of the barriers many adults face and the impact of accessible literacy support.

Adult literacy discussion begins
10:00 – Brett’s story begins, sharing his reading and writing journey and his pathway to TAFE with support from Read Write Now