Mal Writes...



THE BEST STEP I HAVE TAKEN since becoming depressed was to return to school. I enrolled in an Adult Literacy Course at TAFE.

When I left Clontarf I felt lost and scared. I felt I was inadequate to walk amongst other people. Socially and academically I did not have any skills to prepare me for the future. I found employment by word of mouth. I worked on farms to try and help myself. Later, when applying for a job, I always used the excuse of not having my glasses when it came to filling out application forms. My wife was always available to help me. This way I felt that no one would know.
I used to feel angry at my wife for being able to sit down and read a book. I felt frustrated that she could do this. She stopped reading books in my presence.
Attending the TAFE course is slowly building my confidence and trust in people. I am now able to pick up a newspaper/book and read it with relative ease. I do not hesitate or try to avoid completing a form when it is given to me.
I have finally moved from inches to centimetres, though there are many maths paths I need to cross, but this has given me an anchor to build on. Prior to attending classes I was unable to perform simple maths, multiplication, division etc. I did not understand the meanings of the words.
Included in the above studies is a course in Oral Communication. Though a little apprehensive, I feel this will also help to build my self-esteem. My aim from my studies is to be eligible for a certificate of General Education for Adults (CGEA).
It has given me a bit more purpose to life. It is slowly building my social skills. I find it enjoyable to be able to read and write after all these years.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN RENEWING YOUR LEARNING

CONTACT
- a C-BERS Counsellor who will help arrange a program with you.
- the Volunteer Tutor Scheme oI 1800 018 802. The Volunteer Tutor Scheme helps adults wishing to improve their skills in reading, writing and numbers. They will put you through to their local co-ordinator who will arrange an interview to match you up with a volunteer tutor in your locality.
- TAFE on 08-9325 9322 or 1800 999 167 (WA Country callers).
C-BERS can also assist to a limited extent in helping you to acquire some computer skills.

Previous Article

Next Article

Printing and Viewing Options...
Print out this article now	View a Printer-Friendly version of the whole newsletter		To bookmark this article, Press 'Ctrl D'

The C-BERSS Online Community
Email this article to a friend	Leave a comment about this article	Read what others have said about this article

Other articles in this newsletter...
Giving Meaning to What We Say Australian Travel Fund Funding Criteria Announced Generous Donation will be put to Good Use Our New Clinical Supervisor Reading and Writing and... You'll Never, Ever Know If You Never, Ever... GIVE IT A GO!!! Robert Writes... Reunions Bindoon Old Boys Farewell And... Goodbye	Read other newsletters...