Literacy and numeracy graduates recognised

A ceremony for literacy and numeracy program graduates was held at the Umina Police Citizens Youth Club on Thursday, September 25.

The ceremony recognised the accomplishments of 58 local residents who received nationally-recognised certificates through a language, literacy and numeracy program for people aged 15-65.

Local students of the POEMS program, an alternate school for 13 to 19 year olds were also awarded certificates

The graduation ceremony was conducted by local community organisation WorkWise and attended by Member for Robertson Mr Jim Lloyd, Member for Peats Ms Marie Andrews, State commander of Police Citizens Youth Clubs Mr David Shorrocks and over 100 business and community representatives.

WorkWise manager Anne Coshaw said the achievements and commitment of all students were to be congratulated.

Both programs were funded by the Australian Government Department of Education Science and Training and were aimed towards students gaining their Year 10 equivalent.

Each program took between six and 12 months to complete, requiring a high level of motivation and a lot of hard work.

"In the literacy and numeracy program, students are often amazed at what they can achieve, particularly the older ones who felt they would never be able to read, write and do maths at this level, let alone use a computer and surf the Internet," Ms Coshaw said.

"Graduates have a much better chance of finding employment and generally have a much richer life.

"They can go on to further training, get their drivers licence, read recipes, read novels, read to their children and grandchildren, even help with maths homework," she said.

Ms Coshaw said the students in the POEMS alternate school very much appreciated their second chance at education.

For a variety of reasons they were unable to cope in mainstream schools but now, after a sometimes shaky start, were "roaring ahead, finding work, moving on to high level TAFE courses and their HSC".

Press release, September 25