The Festival of Adult Learning Ahurei Ākonga provided a great opportunity for Rural Youth and Adult Literacy Trust (RYALT) to launch its newly published collection of student writing that celebrates their achievements while also providing a valuable literacy resource for other learners.

The collection is made up of 43 diverse stories from learners throughout Aotearoa with the youngest aged 14 and the oldest aged 63. A total of 200 copies of the student writing booklet named by the learners, “A Word from Us” were printed and distributed both to learners and coaches, made possible by the generous funding from ACE Aotearoa.

RYALT primarily operates online, with 80% of all learning taking place via zoom or Google Meet. The remaining 20% of sessions are face to face, catering to learners who are unable to get internet access or with limited access to technology.

The stories included in the collection were all written over the past year with every learner having an opportunity to share their story.

This booklet not only highlights the progress of RYALT learners, it also highlights the Trust’s commitment to celebrating learners’ success and inspire others to start their literacy journey.