Free adult literacy course in Perth: Charmaine's Story

Charmaine left school after Year 10. Through our free SEE Program in Perth, she gained the confidence to speak up, ask questions and get online. 

"Before, I was shy. Now I'm not as scared." Charmaine's story at Max Solutions in Perth 

Charmaine left school after Year 10. Years later, she walked into our Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) classroom in Mirrabooka to build her literacy, communication and confidence. Here's how she did it, and how our trainers help adult learners across Perth do the same. 

Coming back to the classroom 

When Charmaine started, group discussions felt intimidating. Speaking up in a room full of people felt harder still. Everyday digital tasks, like sending an email or finding her way around a website, were unfamiliar. 

She's not alone. For many adults returning to study after years away, the hardest part isn't the reading, writing or maths. It's raising your hand, asking a question, or admitting you don't know something yet. Until that barrier comes down, the skills taught in class stay locked inside the classroom. 

What changed for Charmaine 

With the support of her trainer, Mariam, Charmaine can now: 

• Speak confidently in front of the class and contribute to group discussions 

• Ask questions and share her own ideas 

• Send emails and use the internet on her own 

• Connect with her classmates and the wider class community 

"I feel more confident now talking to people and asking questions. Before, I was shy, but now I am not as scared." — Charmaine, SEE Program learner, Perth 

How our trainers build confidence 

At Max Solutions, we treat confidence as a skill we actively build, because learners progress faster when they feel safe enough to take risks. In our Perth classes, that looks like three things. 

Regular, low-pressure chances to practise. Learners get repeated chances to volunteer an answer, read aloud or stand up in front of peers. We start with pair work before whole-class sharing, then build up through short turns at the whiteboard, role-plays and interactive tasks. 

Recognition as it happens. Effort is acknowledged in the moment. Attendance, progress and contribution are recognised with certificates and small incentives, so learners can see how far they've come. 

Freedom to go at your own pace. Nobody is pushed into the deep end. Learners step forward when they're ready, and the classroom culture makes that possible. 

"I set clear expectations for respectful, supportive interactions between students, and we celebrated small achievements as they happened. That gave learners the security to keep stepping forward, week after week." — Mariam, SEE Program trainer, Max Solutions Perth 

Is the SEE Program right for you? 

It's never too late to build your reading, writing, maths and digital skills. If you live in Mirrabooka or anywhere across Perth, our free SEE Program can help you feel more confident at work, in job interviews and in everyday life. 

Find out more: Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program | English, Literacy & Digital Skills — MAX Solutions RTO  

The SEE Program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations and delivered by Max Solutions RTO 0667.