Gay Cross has a Social Work qualification and is completing a BA in Education.

For 12 years she ran her own business in Balclutha (a home and giftware shop). Then, while her daughters were at high school, Gay studied at Otago University and became interested in education and social work.

To further this interest she worked on a volunteer basis at Literacy Aotearoa and at Lifeline.

In 2003 she trained as a tutor at Literacy Aotearoa and gained CALT Level 5.

In 2004 Gay became involved with the Women's Literacy group.

'It's a wonderful group to work with. We cover a wide range of subjects.'

As well as offering women the opportunity to improve their basic reading, writing and numeracy skills the Women's Literacy Group also embraces the concept of embedded literacy.

'We've covered all sorts of topics from bead making, to scrap booking and environmental literacy. We try and respond to the needs of the women in a practical way. For example, one session we went to the law centre and learned about making wills. We also cover things like budgeting and hire purchase agreements.'

Another subject Gay enjoys tutoring is communication.

'As caregivers in society it's important for women to have good communication skills - both written and oral. We also encourage the women who come to us to have opinions and to have the confidence to share their ideas with others.'

Seeing women improve their literacy skills is one of the great rewards of the job.

'it's great to see women learn to stand up for themselves, communicate better and make more informed choices. With improved literacy women become more involved in their own lives. it's rewarding to see someone move in from the outskirts of society and become more confident.'

During her time with Literacy Aotearoa Gay has observed that women's literacy needs are often different to men.

'Many women are at home with children. They may also be looking after parents. A lot of the women who come here feel intimidated by the health and education system. They don't want to show themselves up by making mistakes and, if their literacy skills are low, they miss out on information and opportunity. Many women don't have the knowledge or the skills to access the system. Also, when a parent's literacy levels are low, children miss out and the whole thing becomes a vicious cycle.'

Gay knows from experience that places like Literacy Aotearoa can make a difference.

'As long as the programmes are pitched at the right level and are relevant to the learner's life and needs, change can happen.

Since working at Literacy Aotearoa Gay appreciates how difficult life can be for women with poor literacy skills.

'Lack of literacy is so limiting. There are all sorts of reasons for low literacy levels and I have tremendous admiration for the women who come here. Many are battling very difficult situations and it's extremely brave to ask for help. I have so much respect for the women I tutor and it's a two way learning thing. We learn from each other.'

Since coming to Literacy Aotearoa Gay has been involved with variety of literacy programmes, including Workplace Literacy, Modern Apprenticeship scheme and volunteer tutoring.

Her latest interest is in the area of health literacy. Together with fellow tutors she is putting together a programme aimed at helping women develop the literacy skills needed to keep themselves and their families healthy.