A lawyer by profession, a reading tutor by passion

Lauren Tan is a lawyer by profession and a reading tutor by passion. The issue of basic literacy skills is a global concern, with UNESCO estimating that at least 739 million youth and adults worldwide still lack these skills. In Penang, Tan offers her services through her project, "My Literacy Advocate," where she helps learners who struggle with reading.

This volunteer work complements her legal career and other interests, such as performing arts and writing. Tan's interest in literacy intervention began with her two sons in primary school when she noticed the varying reading abilities among children. Her passion led to volunteering at a social enterprise in Penang that trains young adults with autism, where she became involved in storytelling and other literacy initiatives.

During the pandemic, Tan obtained advanced certification in special education. After setting up "My Literacy Advocate" in 2021, Tan offers one-to-one tutoring sessions to children with learning challenges, including dyslexia, autism, and speech and hearing impairments. The project is tailored to each learner's needs, utilizing visuals, scenarios, and real-life applications.

Despite her legal background, Tan emphasizes that she is not an expert but a patient and empathetic tutor focused on helping children gain confidence in their reading abilities.