Adults with low literacy skills may have negative experiences with the formal school system or face such challenges as learning disabilities, low self-esteem, unemployment, or underemployment. Long-term disengagement from education and training, leading frequently to unemployment and inactivity, makes it extremely difficult for them to find training that matches their preference and potential. Ill-equipped with the skills required in emerging jobs and businesses they are likely to be left behind. Despite the numerous advantages associated with undertaking literacy or basic training, low literacy individuals face barriers that often prevent them from moving ahead.

P.A.L.S. is a literacy organization that helps adults with low literacy skills work towards improving their reading, writing, speaking, listening, maths and digital skills. The program is offered free to the learners with the help of volunteer tutors through one-to-one tutoring or small group work.

By using numerous qualitative research methods, we want to better understand our clients' literacy needs, barriers, and challenges that they face in order to make progress to better educational opportunities or living wage employment. This research will also try to address the extent to which these adults are aware of the current trends in education, training and employment. What are the gaps that need to be filled to engage or provide these adults with opportunities for continuous learning?

The qualitative data should be able to speak to the larger audience about the needs, barriers, challenges, and gaps faced by these adults.