Raymond Ward — 16 Apr 2007

 
Raymond Ward 

My name is Raymond Ward and this is the story of how I became an ALN tutor. In 2003 once I had finished Higher Education, it was time for me to start the intrepid search for a job. In particular, I had high hopes of entering the Information Communication and Technology sector. It was at this moment that I was lucky enough to walk through the doors of East End Partnership Ltd. Based in the East End of Glasgow, this Local Development Company (LDC) is charged with raising the profile of this underprivileged area and regenerating its economy. One of the services the LDC was running at this time was called New Directions. This project had a simple purpose  - to find people a suitable job. Instead of finding me a job, New Directions gave me a career - in literacy!

After much discussion with an employment advisor from New Directions it was suggested to me that I apply for the position of tutor with a new project that was being launched in the East End of Glasgow in conjunction with the local community college - John Wheatley College. This initiative was to be called Positive about Literacy or PAL as it is fondly called by our learners. As time got closer to the deadline for the submission of applications I was still having second thoughts about my suitability for this position. It was quite weird period of time for me actually as the staff at New Directions where adamant that this would be a really good move for me.

Why I didn't think I was suitable for the post was also puzzling as I was teaching DJ classes in a local community centre with local youths and had actually incorporated a Literacy and Numeracy element into the class lessons. Nevertheless, I just couldn't see myself in this type of post so it came as a complete surprise that in the next few weeks I received and envelope that contained the date for my interview!

Later in the week I was phoned by someone from the college and told that the post was mine. Since then the project has prospered and has successfully integrated itself into the East End landscape, helping hundreds of people in the community. As for myself - I think I have found a rewarding career which has contributed immensely to my personal development. Amazingly, I have also had my brief skirmishes with fame and was featured in the Evening Times (July 7th 2003). Of course this gave much needed publicity to the project and I hope it encouraged a few more people out there to give it a go as a tutor in this field - I would recommend it highly!

PAL has come a long way since my arrival. We now have our own on-line resources and have built strong partnerships with various organisations. We even played a key role in the recruitment and selection process when Tesco opened their new outlet in Shettleston in 2004. We must have done something right as Tesco asked us to work with them again on another employment campaign the following year.

On a final note I would like to finish by telling you my favourite quote. This quote came from a Further Education advert I saw in the 1980's when I lived in the USA. I guess it sums up everything about me and what I try to bring to my role as a tutor in the East End  -"A mind is a terrible thing to waste!"