Three years ago, the Starter Literacy Programme was introduced with 15 residents at Elvira Rota Village. Today, 54 residents participate in the weekly programme, learning pre-numeracy and pre-literacy at their own level and pace, and the programme has been adapted and extended to Domitilla and Danny Hyams Home with the focus on early childhood developmental milestones.

The impact of the programme has been gradual but definitely evident. Two of the ‘students’ have learnt to write words without copying them and two others can now write their names without copying. Unfortunately, the programme has had to be put on hold due to Covid-19, as the classes take place in a small space which doesn’t allow for social distancing. But as soon as we are able to, we aim to get the programme back on track.