Jersey charity, Words and Numbers Matter, has received a grant of £55,890 from the Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands to help more islanders improve their literacy and numeracy skills.
The grant has enabled the charity to move into a larger, better equipped premises at 12 Upper Midvale Road, as well as take on an extra member of staff.
Words and Numbers Matter is a small charity which supports Jersey adults and children in improving their literacy and numeracy skills, enabling them to better reach their full potential, be afforded life choices, and be better positioned to support themselves and their families.
It aims for 50% or more of its students to increase their numeracy and/or literacy skills to at least one level above their assessed starting point. Building on this, the charity aims to have at least 20% of students achieving a formal certification. There are more than 100 students benefitting from the charity at present, with at least 60% aged 6-18 years old.
David Stanley, Chairman, Words and Numbers Matter, commented on the grant: “This is the second time the Foundation have kindly agreed to support us, and we are extremely grateful. Thanks to the grant, we are able to help more islanders achieve their full potential, improve a specific skillset, and even help in the diagnosis of dyslexia or dyspraxia, which can be life changing.
“We used to have to find a suitable space to teach from, whether it be offices or the library, and it could be distracting for some students. Now they can focus on their work properly, in a calm and well-equipped environment. We are pleased to help more people, and an additional member of staff was very much needed to cope with the increased numbers of students.”
Jo Le Poidevin, Executive Director, Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands, added: “Literacy and numeracy skills are key skills for life. Words and Numbers Matter plays a crucial role in the lives of islanders who may have had a poor experience of education or struggled to learn in a classroom setting. We are very pleased to be able to help them expand to meet the growing need for educational assistance and help improve life chances for children and adults in Jersey.”
