Responding to Pasifika adults' literacy needs through workplace programs : an evaluation

Abstract

National surveys in 1996 and 2006 showed that a significant proportion of New Zealand adults have low levels of literacy and numeracy skills that make it difficult for them to function effectively in a world of increasing literacy demands. As with child literacy, some groups, including Pasifika, are disproportionately over-represented at the low end of the literacy and numeracy skill continuum. Over the past decade, government has responded with a series of policy and strategy initiatives, which have aimed to increase the volume and quality of provision available for adults with low literacy and numeracy skills. Workplace literacy and numeracy programs have been included in this response. This article reports on a multi-method evaluation study of 18 workplace literacy and numeracy courses throughout Aotearoa and in particular, looks at the involvement of 107 Pasifika participants in these courses who completed both pre- and post-course interviews. The evaluation showed that the courses have been very successful in recruiting high numbers of Pasifika workers. The course participants have improved their literacy and numeracy skills, have changed how they carry out their jobs and many have reported impact on their personal lives.