Basic Skills Committee praised by Minister

Minister for Employment and Learning, Carmel Hanna has given the seal of approval to the work of the Basic Skills Committee, set up in 1999 to oversee a programme of work addressing the educational needs of adults.

Speaking at a working breakfast in Belfast’s Ramada Hotel, the Minister paid tribute to the support and advice provided by the committee over the past three years and added: "I was most grateful for the effort and quality advice that the committee gave to my Department, particularly in forming a visionary strategy to tackle the problem of adult literacy and numeracy.

"As you are aware, my Department will shortly be launching the Consultation on the Adult Literacy Strategy, and your advice helped play a major role in shaping the latter, particularly around the recommendations for the curriculum, tests and professional training for tutors.

"The proposals in the strategy will mark a new and radical approach to adult literacy in Northern Ireland. They aim to build on and enhance the essential skills of literacy and numeracy provision that exists in Further Education Colleges, the voluntary and community sectors and in the work place."

Confirming her commitment to tackling the high levels of literacy and numeracy problems identified in recent studies in Northern Ireland, Carmel Hanna concluded: "I am actively committed to working to enrich the lives of all sections of the community and all age groups. I want to ensure that, as far as possible, everyone is equipped with the essential skills to contribute to and to benefit from our new society.

"When the Strategy is implemented and we have made a difference to many people’s lives, the committee can take pride in the fact that it played a significant part in the process."

Earlier in the day, Carmel Hanna was welcomed to the event by Richard Sterling, Chairman of the Basic Skills Committee and Eileen Kelly, Director of the Educational Guidance Service for Adults.

(MB)