February 11, 2013
by Marcus Priaulx
Jeffrey Alberts can’t keep the smile off his face as he speaks about his new life.
In December, Jeffrey was one of three Queensland finalists in the Construction Skills Excellence Awards and one of five in the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year award.
His new life began after he started, at age 41, a numeracy and literacy course run by Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council.
Jeffrey then continued the course at the town’s Nurunderi TAFE for another year, began a painter’s apprenticeship and then started winning awards.
The former chronic stutterer says he now speaks clearly as he understands the sounds each letter makes, and he’s lost the frustration of having ideas and stories locked in his head.
Jeffrey, who’s now 46, is justifiably proud of what he’s achieved.
“I can read newspapers and council letters when they’re handed out now. I know what’s going on.”
Not knowing in previous years caused him a lot of stress.
“I got things wrong,” the father of four grown children said.
“I couldn’t understand the big words.”
He now urges all parents to encourage their children to go to school every day on time whether they like it or not.
“If you go to school they’ll be brainy enough to get their licence and a good job,” Mr Alberts said.
“They can then buy the things they want and go a long way when they’re educated.”
Mr Alberts now loves his job and the extra income. His wife Sharon is happier, too.
“That’s why I encourage children to go to school,” he said.
“It may seem difficult now but it will make life happier in the long run.”
