A passionate advocate for adult literacy

ALA’s newest board member, Isabel Osuna-Gatty, began her career in adult literacy provision while still living in her home country of Venezuela. Isabel said that she had always wanted to become a literacy teacher, fuelled by an innate belief that education and skills enable people to live fulfilling lives.

‘I speak to First Nations people, refugees, everyone, and I always tell them that it is always worth learning and gaining skills because, no matter where you go, that knowledge will go with you. It can’t be taken away.’

After settling in Australia in 2001, Isabel taught in literacy, language, and numeracy programs in various areas, including as the Learning Community Centre Coordinator at the remote Yuendumu community, 300 km northwest of Alice Springs. She later taught at the NT’s Bachelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education, including a period as a Senior Lecturer in Foundation Skills.

In 2016, Isabel won an Australian Training Award for Excellence in Language, Literacy, and Numeracy Practice. This award recognises innovation and excellence by individuals involved in improving LLN skills in educational, community, or workplace contexts.

Currently, Isabel combines teaching with a private counselling practice where she regularly observes the connections between mental health issues and low literacy.

Isabel says that she has always been, and always will be, an advocate for lifelong learning.

‘It is the most important thing of all. Education can change people and communities.’

She hopes to utilise her time on the ALA Board to further raise the organisation’s profile and that of the adult and community sector in South Australia, where she now lives.