Prominent attorney Sanya Goffe, known for her expertise in navigating the complexities of law, has discovered a profound sense of fulfillment through her work with a charity adult literacy center. This passion project, run alongside her husband, Gavin Goffe, offers her an unparalleled sense of joy that goes beyond her professional achievements.
The journey began during Goffe’s law studies at The University of the West Indies, Mona, when a fellow student—Gavin Goffe—sought volunteers for the Jamaica Movement for the Advancement of Literacy (JAMAL) Foundation. His compelling call for volunteers, emphasizing the “dividends of the heart” over monetary compensation, left a lasting impression on Sanya.
Inspired by this experience, Sanya and Gavin later founded the Adult Learning Centres of Jamaica (ALC). Initially a satellite center of the Jamaican Foundation for Lifelong Learning (JFLL), ALC became a registered charity in 2008. Goffe recalls the early days when the center provided adults with access to desktop computers—a new experience for many at the time. The center has since evolved, but its core mission remains to empower adults with essential reading and writing skills.
“We had adults in their 70s who couldn’t write the letter ‘A’. Some had completed primary or secondary school but retained little of their learning. Now, people come to us to help their children with homework or to read bedtime stories,” Goffe shared with the Sunday Observer.
The motivation behind ALC’s work is to offer adults the functional literacy skills they need for everyday life. “With literacy, you gain independence. You can read for yourself, make informed decisions, and engage with the world on your own terms,” said Goffe.
Operating out of the Swallowfield Gospel Chapel in Kingston, ALC provides basic and intermediate mathematics and English classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Goffe, now in an administrative role, is supported by her mother, Jackie Young, who serves as principal, and a dedicated team of volunteers.
“Our teachers show incredible commitment. Despite their own challenges, they come to teach with a focus on improving students’ lives, not on diplomas or degrees. Our success is measured by the positive changes in our students’ lives,” Goffe emphasized.
Goffe’s most memorable moments often come from witnessing her students’ progress. She recounts the emotional experience of watching a 77-year-old participant learn to write her name and eventually read passages from her Bible. “Seeing them achieve such milestones fills me with satisfaction. It highlights the true blessing of literacy and the freedom it provides,” Goffe said.
Jamaica’s literacy rate stands at 88%, according to Minister of Education and Youth Fayval Williams. Goffe encourages those struggling with literacy to visit the center and take the first step towards transforming their lives. “We’re here to teach anyone who shows up, no matter the day. If you decide to join us, we will welcome you and guide you through your learning journey,” Goffe promised.
Her work at ALC underscores a profound truth: the true value of education lies not just in academic achievement but in the freedom and empowerment it brings to individuals.
