The WEA wholeheartedly endorsed the Scottish Government's definition literacy being:
"The ability to read, write and use numeracy, to handle information, to express ideas and opinions, to make decisions and solve problems, as family members, workers, citizens and lifelong learners."
- and the principles of the social practice model, which underpins our work in this area. The report 'Paving the Way', WEA Adult Literacies work in 2001-2004, describes the development of this work. To download the report, click here.
Building on our experience of taking learning into the workplace, the WEA has taken a lead role in the development, promotion and delivery of workplace literacies.
The enhancement of literacy skills is also integral to our community learning programmes, including collaboration with the Glasgow Science Center which has resulted in a new approach to numeracy skills.
 | In both our workplace and community learning programmes the need for English as a Second or Other Language has been apparent and the WEA has responded. The National Initiative has enabled us to develop and enhance our practice and offer tutor training on integrated literacies in workplace and community settings. |
Workplace Literacies
One in five workers in Scotland may struggle with literacy or numeracy tasks at work. For many working people, changing job roles, increasing paperwork, new qualification requirements and accessing further learning and training can all be extremely challenging.
Community Literacies
The WEA makes literacy and numeracy skills central to courses in the community. This has led to new and interesting programmes, including:
ESOL Literacies in the Workplace
With funding from the Scottish Executive's Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning Department, this national workplace pilot project will support and develop ESOL Literacies in the Workplace in 10 Community Planning / Literacies Partnership areas in Scotland.