Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage continued her campaign to boost adult literacy and numeracy by holding a debate in the Chamber of the House of Commons yesterday.
MPs from both sides of the House made valuable contributions to the debate and there was cross-party consensus that education policies of the past have failed generations of young people. During the debate, the Minister for Skills and Enterprise, Matt Hancock MP, expressed the Government's commitment to tackling illiteracy and innumeracy both in schools and within the wider community.
Speaking outside the Chamber, Caroline said:
"Adult literacy and numeracy problems are a huge cause for concern and we need to act swiftly if we are to tackle them. I was delighted to hear the speeches made by my colleagues – their support shows just how passionately many MPs feel about this matter.
I welcome the Minister's comments about the importance of good English and Maths teachers and the value of community learning. I hope that this debate will drive forward my campaign to end illiteracy and innumeracy in the UK by giving support to those who so desperately need it."
Throughout her speech, Caroline used examples of successful literacy and numeracy schemes in Gosport. These included the 'Out There' project run by St. Vincent College which provides accessible training for adults and the Read & Grow charity which advocates peer-to-peer learning as a rehabilitation tool.