Head start for market traders

Press Release

06/03/2007

Members of the Council's Skills, Learning and Enterprise team joined forces with stall-holders as part of an initiative aimed at highlighting the importance of adult numeracy and literacy skills.

Market traders are renowned for their nimble algebraic minds that gives them a headstart when it comes to dividing and multiplying pounds, ounces and kilos. So where better to promote the benefits of adult literacy than the throng of a bustling street-market?

Members of the team occupied the East Street bandstand and handed out leaflets to hundreds of shoppers and passers by informing them of Council-run opportunities to flex those mental muscles.

Councillor Bob Little, Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Adult Education, said: "Market traders use their numeric and literacy skills every day. This is a highly appropriate environment to highlight the importance of adult literacy and numeracy, as it gives people a first hand example of how these principles are as relevant and important as they have always been."

Mark Adams, Adult Basic Skills Coordinator, said: "We hope this event will inspire members of the public to take up the challenge of improving their literacy and numeracy skills. We are here to help those who aspire to personal development."

This Barking and Dagenham event follows the launch of a national Government drive to promote adult literacy and numeracy in partnership with the National Market Traders Association.

It involved the borough's Adult Basic Skills team, the Adult College of Barking and Dagenham and the Town Centre management team.

Press Release Number: 10301

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