Illiteracy functions as a barrier to continuing education and workforce integration for many young persons. Their lack of functional literacy limits their access to many mainstream opportunities for skill development training or job placement, leading to marginalization and a feeling of low self-worth. For these young persons, literacy development is a critical path activity to reposition them to achieve self-actualization. This intervention must be provided in a context that cultivates supportive and caring relationships that will rebuild their self-concept and belief in their own strengths and abilities.  Often, this is more about empowerment than training and therefore requires alternative approaches rather than traditional educational programmes.
In collaboration with faith-based organisations, Hands in Unison strives to establish such learning environments for literacy development supported by the tithing of time and talent by professionals. For programme sustainability, partnerships will be explored with government-sponsored interventions.