In March 2020, when the lockdown was announced, Joelma da Silva had more obstacles to face than many young mothers.

The 37-year-old mum from Hatch Warren couldn't read. So, when the schools closed and her two children – both in primary classes – returned home hoping their mother could help them in studies, she was determined to find a way.  

It was then she stumbled upon the Basingstoke branch of Read Easy, a not-for-profit organisation that gives free one-to-one tuition to adults who struggle with reading.

Joelma started learning to read with her coach Claire. They had socially distanced coaching sessions at a park bench throughout the summer. During lockdowns, they continued the sessions using phones, and sending articles to each other.

Nine months later, Joelma has become the first graduate under Read Easy Basingstoke.

From zero, she has now reached the level of a 11-year-old. She gained such confidence that she is now enrolled on a group course to continue learning and gain more qualifications.

Jane Ford, the team leader at Read Easy Basingstoke said it was Joelma’s determination that helped her achieve success.

“She was conscious that she couldn't help her children. She got in touch with us and joined just before the pandemic. She and her coach were amazing. They continued throughout the pandemic using phone, and meeting on park benches when they were allowed.

“We were lucky enough to get a grant to buy some tablets, which we can loan out to our readers if they don't have it themselves.

“She whisked through the lockdown, graduated in December, and she is now able to help her children.”

According to a 2011 survey on illiteracy, there are more than 7,000 people in Basingstoke who cannot read.

“The sad fact is that in the UK, adult literacy is getting worse, not better. So it's probably more than 7,000 now.”

Read Easy Basingstoke was launched in 2019. It was going great guns, but the pandemic has affected its smooth operation.

Ms Ford said: “The hardest thing for us is getting the word out to people who can't read. Because they can't read newspapers, they don't have computers or smartphones, why would they if they can't read! We used to stand in the town centre or supermarket and spread the word. Nowadays we rely on word of mouth.

“We're very conscious, especially during the pandemic, how many children struggle because their parents can't read. Having parents who can’t read makes home schooling so much harder.”

Read English Basingstoke has received monetary funding from Sovereign Housing, Vivid Housing's We're All Together Fund, Four Lanes Trust, Round Table, Greenham Trust, Waitrose, and support in other ways from John Lewis, Morrisons, Tesco, The Discovery Centre, Festival Place and Waterstone's.

If you want to get in touch with Read Easy for help for yourself or someone you know, call: 07592 450789, or email: basingstoke@readeasy.org.uk.