Gerildine Talbot
Gerildine Talbot never learnt to read and write due to a disrupted childhood. She spent some time in care and was labelled ‘thick’ and ‘stupid’ by her school.
Encouraged to write her life story by social workers 11 years ago, it was only last year that Gerildine attended a Leeds City College Skills for Life literacy class, after realising she needed the skills to edit her book. She has already achieved an Entry Level 2 qualification in Literacy, she attends a book club reading Quick Reads books, has learnt to use a computer and completed courses in Indian Head Massage and Painting and Drawing Level 1.
Her tutor Ann Eveleigh says: “Learning to read and write has made a tremendous difference to Gerildine’s life. She is now more confident, talkative, bursting with life and energy.”
Gerildine said, “Firstly I am not thick, I know that I can learn and can achieve. It’s like a door opening, I cannot stop reading, I have books galore at home; I now understand the joy of reading. I used to walk with my head down, but now I’m looking at everything, hoping to learn more.”
Gerildine is also in the last stages of editing her book. “My experiences have been very difficult. It’s been a way to address everything that’s happened to me and move forward. It’s like magic to me now. I know I will be learning all of my life.”