Former illiterate dad wins writing prize

11:30am Monday 18th August 2008

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A formerly illiterate single dad has turned his life around and has won a national literacy competition.

Calbert Williams, from Shrublands, could not read or write until last year but his entry was picked from hundreds to appear in the Voices on the Page project.

The award reflects Jamaican-born Calbert’s progress in his English classes at the Croydon adult learning and training (CALAT) centre in Thornton Heath.

The 37-year-old, who had never won anything in his life before, said: “People look at you as if you are nothing when they find out you can’t read and write.

“I have always wanted to learn but it took me a couple of years to pluck up the courage to enrol on the course. Now I can write a proper sentence and it has really built my confidence.

“I want to carry on and to let people like me know that the teachers aren’t monsters and that it doesn’t matter what age you are, you can still learn.”

Calbert’s entry, entitled “Talking about reading and writing” appeared in the Voices on the Page project which aims to get adults in literacy classes to get writing and share poems and stories.

Calbert was inspired to write his entry after seeing the national online story bank containing over 1,000 pieces of writing.

His former tutor, Julie Meredith, said: “Calbert wanted to learn to read and write to increase his independence and it has been wonderful to see how winning this competition has boosted his confidence.

“By overcoming his anxiety and attending CALAT classes he has been able to improve his literacy skills to the point that he can see his writing published. He is testament to the fact that it is never too late to learn and he is truly deserving of this success.”

He attended an award ceremony at Shakespeare’s Globe theatre where former cabinet member and Labour MP Tony Benn gave a special address.

For more information on CALAT call 0870 556 1630 or click here