Jonathan Cweorth appreciated the value of reading and writing from an early age.

'Before I knew how to read I was disruptive and badly behaved. I think at one point I was actually asked to leave my kindergarten.'

Jonathan's father taught him to read even before he started school.

As soon as I learned to read I was a different child. I read voraciously.'

Born in Sydney, Jonathan emigrated to New Zealand in 2000. He didn't enjoy living in Australia under the Howard government and thought things looked better across the Tasman. 'Freedom Air had cheap flights to Dunedin and I liked it so much I stayed.' Jonathan's partner and parents followed and he became a NZ citizen in 2003. 'New Zealand felt better than Australia,' says Jonathan. 'Less cynical, more liberal. The people here are nicer. I think New Zealand started in a healthier way and has retained it.'

Jonathan has a BA in English Literature (from 3 Universities - finishing things off at Otago University). He joined Literacy Aotearoa, began his tutor training in 2001 and gained his CALT level 5.

Since then he has been involved in many literacy projects, including:

• Volunteer tutoring
• Workplace Literacy
• Men's Literacy group

Jonathan enjoys teaching all aspects of literacy. He was involved in an early workplace project and found the concept interesting.

'I think workplace literacy brings literacy into the heart of society (the workplace), gives it legitimacy and anchors it. Legitimacy and credibility for adult literacy is very important.'

While tutoring in the workplace Jonathan also became involved in writing Unit Standards and designing an assessment tool to be used by literacy tutors with BCITO building students.

Jonathan enjoys one to one tutoring as well as group work. His range includes everything from basic vowel sounds to helping with a PHD thesis. Since coming to Literacy Aotearoa Jonathan has seen the organization grow significantly.

'The range and depth of teaching are much greater than before. Government support has given it a chance to flourish and it's become a more creative and vibrant place.'

In 2007 Jonathan wrote 'A patchwork history' - Literacy Aotearoa 1977 - 2007. The project involved interviewing various figures in the organization and gave Jonathan an insight into how the organization evolved. Writing the history reinforced his commitment to the organization.

His next project involved the writing of haiku. Together with Larry Matthews (who ran a bookbinding course) they encouraged everyone (tutors as well as students) to 'have a go'. The result was 260 poems - published in 100 hardbound books.

This year, using community Toroa radio, Jonathan helped produce a one hour radio show that displayed the range and quality of the work done at Literacy Aotearoa.

'Learning is for everybody and everyone is on their own learning journey.'

Jonathan enjoys being challenged and finding new outlets for his creativity. He enjoys projects large and small - comprehensive and specific. Alongside large projects he also enjoys the sense of quiet satisfaction that comes with improving his own tutoring skills.

'The good thing about Literacy Aotearoa is the focus on Professional Development. It's inspiring to watch and learn from other tutors. You acquire a better sense of where to focus. You also become more patient. We all have different learning needs. And Literacy Aotearoa provides the framework and support for different types of learning.'