The Tasmanian Liberal Government is committed to lifting adult literacy and numeracy through our unique and innovative strategy, 26TEN.
Businesses, communities and all levels of Government have united through 26TEN to support adult Tasmanians who struggle with their literacy and numeracy.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, I was honoured to launch this year’s 26TEN Week which will see workshops, activities and events held across the State.
Literacy is the key to our social and economic prosperity, so the role of 26TEN is vital in making it possible for Tasmanians to participate, contribute and get the help they need.
More than $7 million has been invested in 117 employer grants and 55 community grants through 26TEN to progress adult literacy and numeracy initiatives where people live and work.
Like any entrenched and complex social problem, there is no one solution and we must continue to work together to improve the lives of Tasmanians.
Over the years, 26TEN has developed innovative resources such as free workshops on plain English, which has supported more than 3300 people to communicate more clearly and be more inclusive of people with low literacy.
Libraries Tasmania is also a key provider of opportunities for adults to improve their skills through the state-wide literacy service, with 4500 people benefiting from the program over the past 10 years.
I would like to recognise the efforts of the adult learners and the organisations who have made a difference over the past decade as part of the 26TEN network.
Whether your contribution has been to encourage, support or teach others, or if you have taken the courageous step of coming forward to learn, I congratulate you.
We can be proud that the 26TEN Tasmania Strategy enables everyone in our State to be part of the solution.
Lasting change takes time, to build a culture where it is ok to ask for help, and to improve skills.
Let’s keep working together because better literacy and numeracy means a better Tasmania for all.
