Swallowfield Chapel is now home to the Adult Learning Centre (ALC), which has been providing numeracy and literacy classes for adults since 2008.

Literacy and numeracy are one of the strongest predictors of individual success. Adults with low literacy skills often face social discrimination and barriers in employment, as many jobs require basic reading and writing skills. Additionally, navigating daily tasks such as filling out forms or reading medication instructions becomes challenging for individuals with limited or no literacy and numeracy skills. A challenge that correlates to feelings of inadequacy, dependence, and isolation.

Born out of a desire to uplift more Jamaicans through literacy and numeracy, attorneys-at-law Sanya and Gavin Goffe started the ALC while still students at the University of the West Indies’ (UWI), Faculty of Law at the Mona campus.

With the full support of Sanya’s mother, Jackie Young, who serves as principal of the ALC, and a team of dedicated volunteers, adults can access math and English classes at the basic and intermediate levels for free.

In 2019, the Jamaica Education Transformation Commission (JETC) found that more than a third of the students who sat the Primary Exit Profile were illiterate. If left unchecked, more Jamaicans will require support to meet basic literacy and numeracy to complete everyday functions.

This reality points to the need for programmes like those offered by the ALC, which support adults who fell through the cracks or were failed by the education system. “The curriculum was specifically designed to help improve the skills of adults at different stages, so there is support for those who have no literacy and numeracy skills to those who have basic and intermediate knowledge,” says Sanya Goffe.

Supported by a dedicated team that has a heart for volunteerism and who gives of their time and talent selflessly, ALC has been a roving institution that has found roots within communities with the greatest need for its services.

Prior to its newest location, the school was located at St Margaret’s Church in Liguanea.

“Staying close to a community has long been a strategic focus of the programme as we work with community organizations and nearby churches to offer the classes,” says Goffe.

Presently based at Swallowfield Chapel, Goffe is hopeful that more community members will come out to access the classes.

“Classes are offered in the evenings from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm to ensure that those who work are not at a disadvantage. There is a high level of respect shown to all students and we ensure that all students feel welcomed,” shares Goffe after highlighting that some students deal with feelings of shame and embarrassment which causes a delay in joining the classes.

“Students are required to pay a nominal fee of $500 per term which assists with administrative support, but no additional fees are required.  The goal is to empower Jamaicans and to help them to develop a lifelong skill that will help them and their families,” continues Goffe.

Registration is on a rolling basis, so individuals can register at any time.

“Tell your friends about this opportunity so that those who need it, can benefit from the learning offered by ALC,” encourages Goffe.