When I was six I went to school. We went out. We had fun but we did not read or write.
When I was seven I went to a new school. We did read and write. It was hard. I was slow but I liked it.
When I was twelve I went back to my old school. I did not like it. We did not read and write.
Now I go to school. I can read and write. I work hard. I feel good at this school.
Tony Loureiro
Invergarry Learning Centre (Surrey, BC)
Tony Loureiro is a storyteller featured in the book:
Jean Bennet, Richard
Jaccoma & Lee Weinstein (eds.) SO FAR: Words from Learners. Photographs
by Ann E. Yowl. Markham, ON: Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 1997.
Each of the eight storytellers showcased has overcome profound physical and mental obstacles to enjoy a productive and independent life. The themes in this book are universal: the struggle to overcome a lifetime of negative labelling and find meaning in one’s existence.