Imagine not being able to read a text message, navigate public transport or write a letter. For a staggering 43% of Australia’s adult population, or seven million [1] that’s their daily reality. A shocking 53%, or 9 million Australians [2] are also challenged by everyday numeracy, unable to read a timetable, count change or follow a recipe.
SBS’s empowering and uplifting observational documentary series, Lost for Words, returns for a second series on Wednesdays from 12 October at 7.30pm, shining a light on Australia’s staggeringly low literacy and, for the first time, numeracy levels.
Literacy advocate, Jay Laga’aia returns to host and narrate this three-part documentary series, which brings together nine more courageous Australians hoping to overcome their struggle to read, write and do basic sums and undergo a journey of self-discovery that will ultimately change their lives forever.
Once again led by President of the Australian Council for Adult Literacy Jo Medlin and adult literacy teacher Adam Nobilia, this season’s brave new adult learners go back to the classroom to take part in nine weeks of intensive tailored classes as well as demanding real-world challenges that will put their newfound reading, writing and numeracy skills to the test and to break down the social stigma that surrounds adult literacy problems.
From a 72-year-old grandmother wanting to be able to spell her grandchildren’s names, to another wanting to write a letter to his wife or another being able to achieve a workplace promotion, each student has a different and highly personal motivations for wanting to improve their reading, writing and numeracy skills.
SBS Head of Documentaries, Joseph Maxwell says: “The first season of Lost for Words shone a light on a huge issue within Australia that most people simply don’t know about. This deeply emotional and uplifting show is a powerful reminder of how documentaries can entertain and also inspire real lasting change in our society.”
Jo Medlin, President of the Australian Council for Adult Literacy says: “Lost for Words Season 2 is a significant milestone for Australian adult literacy, providing the opportunity to raise awareness in the general community whilst changing the lives of the brave participants. On International Literacy Day it's important to draw attention to the fact that literacy issues are experienced by many Australian adults on a day-to-day basis.”
Tony De La Peña, Executive Producer says: “Working on this series was a real eye opener, seeing first-hand what an impact low literacy and numeracy skills can have on people’s lives. There is such a stigma attached to not being able to read or write, that these people carry it as a hidden shame. Over the series the students learnt strategies to help them in everyday life, and with this came a whole newfound confidence – they literally walked out of class on the last day looking like different people. It was a real privilege to be part of a program which truly changed people’s lives.”
Lost for Words Season 2 is produced by Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay company) for SBS.
Lost For Words Season 2 premieres 7.30pm Wednesday 12 October on SBS and SBS On Demand, and will be subtitled in five languages, streaming on SBS On Demand in Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean.
Revisit season 1 at SBS On Demand (all episodes streaming)
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