Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Improving Adult Literacy in Cariboo-Chilcotin

Courtesy of the BC Government Caucus:

The provincial government is granting $128,958 to the Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy Society to provide residents of Williams Lake and 100 Mile House with the literacy skills they need to participate in B.C.’s growing economy.

“Giving adults the opportunity to improve their literacy skills is extremely important,” Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett said. “These programs are designed to meet the needs of individual learners and allow them to reach their education goals.”

“Success in literacy contributes to success in life,” Cariboo North MLA Coralee Oakes said. “By improving reading and writing skills, adult learners gain access to a whole new world of possibilities, skills and experience and support in finding rewarding careers.”

The grant comes from the $2.4 million government has invested in community adult literacy programs in 75 B.C. communities in 2015-16.

Funding is distributed to non-profit community groups to offer free literacy training that is easily accessible in local places such as schools, Aboriginal friendship centres and community centres. The program is tailored to suit the needs of any adult with low-literacy ability, and is delivered by trained volunteers offering one-to-one tutoring or small-group classes.

Community organizations collaborate with a public post-secondary institution in their region. These partnerships encourage the transition of adult learners from literacy programs to post-secondary studies and/or employment training. The Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy Society is collaborating with Thompson Rivers University.

Since 2001, the provincial government has invested more than $25 million in community adult literacy programs, helping approximately 100,000 adults improve their reading, writing and math skills.

For more information about community adult literacy programs, go to: http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/literacy/welcome.htm

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