The Editor, Sir:

Re the article 'Short-changed literacy' - by Dennie Quill in The Gleaner of August 17, contrary to the claim in the final paragraph of the article, the Government has not "dismantled the national adult literacy training organisation which was on the front line of supporting literacy".

What was formerly known as JAMAL, is now a part of the Jamaican Foundation for Lifelong Learning (JFLL). The rationale for this comes from a globally recognised practice that adults are best motivated to participate in literacy classes if these are linked to job market possibilities. The literacy programme through JFLL places literacy as Module 1 of High School Equivalency Programme and certification of job market skills.

The formation of the JFLL also recognises the growing importance of lifelong learning.

The JFLL is among the first set of institutions to be given institutional capacity through the full-scale transformation of the education system. It is included in the present phase of the modernisation of the Ministry of Education itself.

I am, etc.,

MAXINE HENRY-WILSON

Education Minister