A qualitative, inclusive, participatory, critical ethnographic study on the perceived effects of a community based program on low literacy for families in vulnerable areas

Heerlen has relatively high levels of low literacy, which affect employment, health, and family life. In response, the SCHUNCK Library developed the Family-Centred Language Support programme, providing tailored language support for parents and children. This participatory and inclusive study explored how families experienced the programme using focus groups, in-depth interviews, and Photovoice.

Families particularly valued the personalised guidance, flexibility, and family-centred approach, while barriers such as limited time and travel distance sometimes hindered participation. Overall, the programme was associated with improvements in language skills, self-confidence, reading enjoyment, and social connectedness. The findings also suggest that greater flexibility in delivery and closer alignment with families' needs could further increase the programme's im