Whanganui Learning Centre tutor Nessa Takarangi-Williams has helped Leah McIvor to discover her love for reading and study. PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY
Whanganui Learning Centre tutor Nessa Takarangi-Williams has helped Leah McIvor to discover her love for reading and study. PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY
Leah McIvor gets excited at the sight of glossy new books and was happy to see the boxes of Travelling Books arrive at the Whanganui Learning Centre last week.
"I think I have read my way through most of the Wanganui Library collection by now - I have been readingconstantly for the past year."
The 42-year-old mum said her passion was ignited when she met Gail Harrison of Whanganui Learning Centre and was persuaded to attend classes.
"I had finished my education when I was very young - I didn't even get to finish third form, and I didn't believe I was capable of tertiary study.
"My writing wasn't great and I had no computer literacy, but Gail convinced me to give it a go, and I discovered that I have the capability - I just needed confidence."
Ms McIvor has now commenced study at Whanganui Ucol and has her sights set on gaining a counselling qualification to work with youth.
"I know how confused I was as a teenager, and I empathise with young people who are trying to find their way. Because I am a mum too and my younger son is 17 now, I think I can relate very well to youth."
Moving on to Ucol has been made easier by having friends who are also taking on tertiary study this year.
"They are a group of eight women who studied together at the learning centre - we've become great friends and we can all support each other at Ucol now," Ms McIvor said. "I advise anyone who cut their education short and doesn't feel confident to make a start because once you take that first step, the possibilities really start to open up."
Travelling Books was launched by Literacy Aotearoa in 2010 to encourage readers to pass on books and encourage reading.
Supported by NZ Post, the books are distributed around New Zealand by volunteers to coincide with Adult Learners' Week.
The theme for this year is "Families Reading Together" to encourage parents to share with young readers.
