This project was a a
pilot adult literacy project which took place in Skye and Lochalsh
from January to March 2007. It was a partnership project
which involved; Highland Libraries, Rag, and Tag and Textile*, Tag Highland and the
Highland Adult Literacies Project.
Cindie Reiter, Reading
Development Coordinator for Highland Libraries delivered a
creative writing workshop to sixteen participants at Broadford
Library, using material made available as a tutor pack by the
BBC
RAW campaign.
Not all of the
participants had literacy issues or indeed mental health issues
although a significant number did. The aim of the project
was to be completely inclusive and ensure that all the
participants were able to take part without being disadvantaged
and without the risk of stigma.
Of the sixteen
participants eight went on to take part in creating pieces for the exhibition
Weaving with Words -
pictures of this can be viewed here. The
exhibition was launched at the Reader Day in Skye and Lochalsh and
will tour the Highlands for the rest of 2007, a list of dates and
venues can be accessed here
An initial workshop
was delivered to those interested in creating textile art works by
Tag and Rag and Textile and Tag trainer Rosie Somerville.
Literacy and numeracy was embedded in the project and was offered
to all participants as and when needed.
Art works were created
using a variety of methods and a selection of materials all of which
were recycled or donated to the project.
*An emerging social project that is based in Skye and Lochalsh
which aims to encourage people who have been unemployed and who
have mental health problems, back into work by delivering a range
of traditional textile skills.
