Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage has set her sights on tackling low levels of adult literacy and numeracy, as she chairs an event in the Houses of Parliament next week.
Tuesday's briefing will see Caroline bring together a range of expert panellists from across the adult learning sector; including Carol Taylor OBE (NIACE), Helen Casey (NRDC) and Ian Forward (Kent County Council) to discuss issues surrounding poor adult literacy and numeracy and identify innovative ways to tackle this problem.
Speaking ahead of the event, Caroline said:
"A staggering 1 in 6 adults are considered functionally illiterate and this has considerable social and economic implications. We often talk about ways to address the skills gap – but surely tackling the most fundamental literacy and numeracy issues must come at the heart of all our thinking.
Overcoming the barriers to learning must be the first step towards raising levels of aspiration, increasing self-confidence and helping people realise their potential.
I hope this briefing event will give all those wishing to improve the conditions for adult learning the chance to air their concerns, as well as learn about what can be done to improve things."
As a strong advocate of lifelong learning, Caroline is committed to promoting training and skills development and regularly champions this issue both nationally and in Gosport.
Tuesday's briefing event will take place in Committee Room 17 between 1300 and 1500.
