Late literacy

For the first time in her life, 50-year-old Brenda Smith can do something most of us take for granted. She can read. Brenda had hearing and learning difficulties growing up in Temuka. A few teachers here and there made an extra effort, but Brenda never learned to read until she knocked on the door of Literacy South Canterbury a few months ago and asked for help. Now she can read books and even a little bit of the newspaper. Brenda's efforts have been recognised with a commendation certificate at the inaugural Adults Learner's awards in Timaru.