I want to produce a set of two books supported by audio CDs aimed at helping adults learn to read and write.

My background is in teaching Skills for Life/Basic Skills/Functional Skills. One of the difficulties around helping adults to learn to read is that they may be embarrassed to tell others that they can't read and write. For the course providers it is often difficult to reach the right people. Typically, they won't be the people visiting the libraries or reading posters and newspapers.

What I'd like to produce is a basic text book, supported by an audio version, which reads the book and explains any exercises. Alongside this, I'd like to produce an activities book, which provides simplified instructions for a variety of projects. Again, an audio version would be provided for support. These activities would provide extra reading practice, and make learning more fun. The activities would be especially aimed at adult learners.

The aim of this is to provide learners with a resource they can use independently, although it could also be used in classes. For speakers of other languages who understand spoken language, it could also be used as a resource for developing their reading and writing.

The books would be sold separately, meaning that the activity book could be given as a gift, without drawing attention to the 'learning to read' aspect.

I would also like to encourage contributors to help reach learners by donating any spare copies of the books and CDs to local charities and community ventures, or even individuals.

The funds I raise here, will cover the costs of printing both books, printing and producing the accompanying CDs. They will also help to provide materials for the activity book, e.g. for crafts or cookery.

I would like to raise funds by the end of March, with a view to completing the project April - June of this year.

I do hope you agree that this is a valuable project. By helping adults learn to read and write, we give them opportunities to experience many things that most of us take for granted.