COMMUNITY ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM GRANTS

Community adult literacy programs range from basic literacy and numeracy to high school completion. (Numeracy, short for “numerical literacy,” refers to the ability to handle numbers and mathematical concepts.)

The programs are targeted to people in remote communities, Aboriginal learners, young parents, people living in poverty, and new Canadians who are not literate in their first language. Delivered by community groups working with B.C.’s public post-secondary institutions, these programs usually offer one-on-one tutoring by trained volunteers, small group classes and other components.

GREATER VANCOUVER AND SUNSHINE COAST

1. Linking Communities Through Literacy – $26,799

Strathcona Community Centre / Capilano College

Most of the 25 people taking part in this program, offered in the Strathcona and Kiwassa neighbourhoods of Vancouver, are parents who come from rural China and have low incomes, limited English skills, cultural barriers and child-care needs. The program builds on their skills and experience, helping them take part in school and community life, and support their children’s literacy development.

2. The REAL Parents Program (Relevant Education for Adult Learners) – $40,000

Hastings Community School / Capilano College

This family literacy program is designed for parents, grandparents and caregivers of children attending Hastings Community School and Dr. A. R. Lord elementary school in Vancouver. Graduates of the program lead weekly classes and field trips during school hours for 42 learners, who are able to improve their reading, writing and computer skills. They also become less isolated and are better able to support their children’s learning.

3. Carnegie Literacy Inreach/Outreach Program – $39,961

Carnegie Community Centre / Capilano College

Over 40 weeks, this program reaches out to sex-trade workers, the homeless, people living in single room occupancy hotels and others in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside with literacy barriers. The program will develop learning spaces throughout the neighbourhood, and deliver special issues workshops (for instance, providing information and options for Aboriginal residents who will receive residential school payouts). It includes one-on-one tutoring, small group instruction, assessment, and recruiting and training volunteer tutors. Organizers expect the program to work with 40-45 core learners, as well as 150 other adults through inreach and outreach activities.

4. Urban Learner Connections – Learners Talking to Learners – $16,065

Vancouver School Board / Vancouver Community College

Between 400 and 500 adults are expected to take part in this program, which encourages groups of learners to submit proposals for events and activities. An advisory committee will choose the proposals to be funded, and the students will plan, organize and hold these activities, and then prepare final reports. Participants learn to work with others, write proposals, make decisions, organize, budget, keep records, and research costs, schedules and locations. They also take part in new activities and become more engaged in their communities.

5. Community Access to Literacy and Learning – $39,036

Sechelt Public Library / Capilano College

This program is delivered in Gibsons, Sechelt, Roberts Creek, Davis Bay, Halfmoon Bay and Pender Harbour on the Sunshine Coast. It offers one-on-one instruction to 40 adults to help them improve their reading, writing, basic math and computer skills, focusing on the needs of young adults and First Nations. Forty-five tutors will be involved, with 25 of those receiving tutor training. Child care, learning materials, books and transportation are provided if required.

6. Making the Grade – $40,000

Squamish Volunteer Centre Society / Capilano College

Students enrolled in literacy and adult basic education programs at the Squamish campus of Capilano College are eligible for this program, along with adults who are not enrolled, and adults who are still learning English. Twenty adults will be paired with volunteer tutors and take part in small groups. This program supports people who are learning at a fundamental or beginner level, or who are not comfortable in a college setting. Up to 15 tutors will receive introductory tutor training and further workshops and training on specific subjects.

7. The Faces of High/Scope Family Literacy – $32,000

Communities that Care / Capilano College

Up to 15 parents and other adult family members of pre-school children will receive family literacy education under this program, based in Squamish. The program also provides literacy support to parents and children together. Parents determine most of the topics to be covered, and child minding, transportation meals and other supports are provided. Eventually, some parents begin to mentor and support other parents.

8. Whistler Volunteer Adult Literacy Tutor Program – $28,807

Whistler Public Library / Capilano College (new program)

This is a new program that will include tutoring as well as small-group instruction, for which final program planning and development will take place this fall. Three to six volunteer tutors are expected to be trained in spring 2008, and will be matched with 15 students in late spring. The program will offer ESL and literacy programming, which are expected to benefit service workers in the hospitality and tourism industry, as well as home support workers in Whistler.

9. Remote Aboriginal Community Access to Adult Literacy – $35,580

Lil’wat Nation, Mount Currie Indian Band / Capilano College (new program)

Three communities beyond Mount Currie have identified a need for adult literacy upgrading. Samahquam, Skatin and Port Douglas has worked with Mount Currie’s Ts’zil Learning Centre and Capilano College to develop a model that supports the unique needs of small, isolated villages by combining face-to-face and online instruction. Services will be offered both in the communities and at Ts’zil Learning Centre for 15-30 learners. Instructors will teach adult basic education English, math, education and career planning and computer courses at all levels. This program provides support including child care accommodation, transportation and evening classes so adults can take advantage of the available courses.

FRASER VALLEY

10. Families in Motion – $17,486

Chilliwack Community Services / University College of the Fraser Valley

This is an intergenerational literacy program for families with serious barriers to literacy and learning. Participants meet in three different settings each week: an elementary school, a First Nations reserve, and a community-based family resource program. This provides a variety of experiences and contacts to promote engagement in community and education institutions. Parents are offered adult basic education programs and establish a personal learning plan, and parents and children learn together under the guidance of an adult facilitator and a preschool teacher. The program supports 16 adult learners, three volunteer tutors and five community volunteers.

11. Central Gateway for Families – $21,000

Chilliwack Community Services / University College of the Fraser Valley

This comprehensive family learning program has served high-risk families in the downtown core of Chilliwack for the past three years. Its adult component focuses on parents with multiple literacy barriers, helping them build their literacy and upgrade academically, assisting with non-academic learning needs and helping them prepare their children for success. This year’s provincial funding will support 16 learners and three volunteer tutors.

12. Parents and Children Together – $40,000

Abbotsford Community Services / University College of the Fraser Valley

Sixteen learners in Abbotsford are expected to take part in this program, which will run out of the Abbotsford Community Services’ three Neighbourhood Place sites. Parents and Children Together includes adult literacy and upgrading, as well as a parenting program and support for child-parent interaction. The program was introduced two years ago at Godson Neighbourhood Place.

13. Community Access to Literacy and Learning – $27,642 (new program)

Fraser-Cascade Literacy Task Initiative / University College of the Fraser Valley

This new program in the Hope area will target young adults at risk, school drop-outs, immigrants, First Nation members, single parents and any other adults who want to increase their literacy skills. It will offer one-on-one tutoring, small group instruction, introductory computer training and ESL conversation circles. Tutors will be recruited and trained, and assessments and learner supports provided. About 30 learners and 25 volunteer tutors are expected to be involved.

14. Agassiz Community Literacy and Learning – $39,851 (new program)

Agassiz-Harrison Community Services / University College of the Fraser Valley

Thirty adults, matched with 15 volunteer tutors, are expected to benefit from this new literacy program in Agassiz targeted to young adults at risk, school drop-outs, ESL learners, Aboriginals, single parents and any other adults wanting to improve their literacy skills. As well as one-on-one tutoring, the program will offer small group instruction, introductory computer training and ESL conversation circles. Tutors will be recruited and trained, and assessments and learner supports provided.

15. Adult Literacy Tutor Program – $27,700 (new program)

Mission Literacy Association / University College of the Fraser Valley

Twenty adults will be matched with 20 trained volunteer tutors in this new program based in Mission. A co-ordinator will liaise with organizations who work with adults in crisis, as well as with employers whose staff have low literacy levels, to find people ready for literacy assistance. Goals will be set for each learner, and progress towards those goals will be tracked. The program will also raise awareness of literacy needs in Mission.

VANCOUVER ISLAND

16. The Learners’ Network Victoria – $40,000

Project Literacy Victoria / Camosun College

Project Literacy Victoria has offered this one-to-one volunteer tutoring program in Greater Victoria for the past 20 years. The program is designed for adults whose English is below the equivalent of high school graduation. The network provides ongoing support for 120 volunteer tutors and an equal number of students. Particular focus is placed on supporting Aboriginals, immigrants, special needs students (whose learning capacity may be affected by brain injuries) and students who are recovering from mental illnesses.

17. Community-based Aboriginal Literacy – $39,991 (new program)

Tseycum First Nation / Camosun College

This new Aboriginal program, offered in partnership with the Saanich Indian school board and the Victoria READ Society, will provide three 12-week programs for up to 10 adults from the traditional territory of the Tseycum First Nation. It integrates literacy and learning about numbers into an existing program teaching life and job skills. Included are work training placement, an elders’ lunch and a parent-child session, as well as transportation and child care.

18. South Island Literacy Community Aboriginal Tutor Program – $20,000 (new program)

Project Literacy Victoria / Camosun College

This new program, which will serve 150 Aboriginal adults, is offered in urban and on-reserve communities throughout the Capital Regional District. Under the program, 80 volunteers will be provided with training to offer free, culturally relevant support in basic reading, writing, math, computers, life skills and e-portfolio preparation. One-on-one tutoring and group sessions will be available.

19. The Tutoring Program – $40,000

The Career Centre / Malaspina University-College

Up to 80 adults in the Parksville area are expected to benefit from this program spearheaded by the Career Centre, created by the Central Vancouver Island Job Opportunities Building Society in 1996. The program runs year-round, Monday to Friday, and attracts, assesses and matches people with individual tutors. Basic English, math and ESL training are provided, and 63 volunteers will be recruited and trained this year.

20. Malaspina University-College Volunteer Tutor Program – $32,000

Literacy Nanaimo / Malaspina University-College

This program prepares adults with basic reading, writing, math and computer technology skills so they are ready to enrol at Malaspina University-College. The program has helped Nanaimo residents develop literacy skills for the past 20 years. It will recruit and train 80 volunteer tutors, who in turn will work with 125 students. Organizers are developing satellite tutoring locations with organizations including the Salvation Army, the Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre, Snuneymuxw First Nations and the Women’s Resource Centre so more people can upgrade skills in locations where they feel comfortable.

21. Comox Valley Adult Literacy Tutoring Program – $39,069

Comox Valley Community Literacy and Learning Society / North Island College

The Adult Learning Centre has been offering free tutoring in the Comox Valley for the past 14 years. Adults receive support in a range of subjects including math, English, sciences, preparation for driver’s licence testing, Foodsafe courses and college entrance exams, as well as more basic requirements such as learning to read or spell. Tutors are recruited and trained once or twice a year. Tutoring sessions are held as often as the student thinks necessary.

22. Learning Adventures for Parents Family Literacy Program – $13,389

Comox Valley Literacy and Learning Society / North Island College

Sixty adults from Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland, Denman and Hornby islands, Royston, Union Bay, Merville, Black Creek and Oyster River will take part in one of two programs. Learning Adventures for Parents is a 10-week program in which parents can improve their parenting skills while practising reading, writing and journal writing. Math Refresher for Parents reviews basic math skills advancing to pre-algebra. Parents will gain confidence and understanding of the “new” math and will be better able to help their children.

23. Literacy for All – $27,486

Campbell River Community Literacy Association / North Island College

This new literacy program will begin with training for 15 volunteer tutors, with guest speakers from social service agencies and Aboriginal topic experts. Youth mentors will also be trained, and will connect with young adults who have not graduated and introduce them to the program. This year, the program expects to expand to 80 students and 50 volunteer tutors.

24. Literacy and Learning for Families – $32,000

Mount Waddington Preschool Literacy / North Island College (new program)

A literacy bus and training for facilitators in two adult and family literacy programs will expand the resources for residents of 10 small communities on northern Vancouver Island. Training will be provided in two literacy and parenting skills programs, one targeted specifically to Aboriginals. As well, 20 people from communities such as Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Alert Bay, Sointula, Fort Rupert and Gwa’sala-‘Nakwada’xw will take training in the Parent-Child Mother Goose program. These facilitators will run Mother Goose programs in their communities, as well as taking the program on the Literacy Bus. A total of 40 adults are expected to benefit.

25. Alberni Valley Adult Literacy Program – $34,980

Literacy Alberni Society / North Island College (new program)

This new drop-in program will be offered in Literacy Alberni’s downtown office to increase accessibility. Literacy tutors will also be provided for weekly one-on-one sessions at the office, or at other locations like the library or North Island College’s Port Alberni campus. Weekly classes will also be offered for small group learning. Because half of the targeted 50 students are expected to be Aboriginal, Literacy Alberni will recruit Aboriginal tutors and incorporate traditional Aboriginal learning methods such as sharing circles, talking sticks and story-telling.

NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL COAST

26. Bella Coola Valley Community Adult Literacy Program – $25,000

Bella Coola Valley Learning Society / North Island College

This program serves six communities on the central coast: Bella Coola, 4 Mile Reserve, Hagensborg, Firvale, Stuie and Atnarko. Included are free one-on-one tutoring, group sessions, workshops, volunteer tutor training, and online computer access to literacy programs for Aboriginal people, young adults, ESL learners and people with disabilities. About 40 students and 10 tutors take part.

27. Upper Skeena Literacy on Wheels – $21,494

Learners Opportunity Group Society / Northwest Community College

This grassroots outreach program enjoys participation of hundreds of people in Gitanyow, Kitwanga, Gitwangak, Gitsgukla, Tramville, South Hazelton, New Hazelton, Hagwilget, Two Mile, Hazelton, Gitanmaax, Glen Vowell, Kispiox Village and the Kispiox Valley. Every two weeks, the Blue Book Bus, also known as the “Lit Limo,” visits each community for about an hour, giving away donated reading material and offering other support. The Lit Limo also distributes government, college and health information brochures; provides support material to adults trying to improve literacy at home; and gives bins of reading and development materials to community groups. About 400 adults benefit from this program.

28. Literacy Haida Gwai – $39,752

Literacy Haida Gwai / Northwest Community College

Literacy Haida Gwai offers a wide range of programs, often with community partners, in Masset, Old Massett, Port Clements, Tlell, Skidegate, Queen Charlotte and Sandspit. Included are tutoring, training for tutors, small group literacy instruction, special programs and events on request and parent education. Family literacy includes Family Literacy Day pajama parties, Story Tent summer programs, a Homework Hangout, and visiting author programs.

29. Terrace Community Readers and Writers Program – $28,686

Terrace Volunteer Bureau / Northwest Community College

The co-ordinator of this Terrace program provides initial assessment of 30 adults, with suggestions of material and instruction techniques that would be particularly useful for each one. Tutors then meet with them, one on one, for an hour or more a week. Those taking part are often middle-aged workers in the resource sector who have been injured and must retrain, or need higher literacy levels due to changes in their industry. The program’s flexibility allows people whose work or personal schedules prevent them from attending school to improve their literacy skills.

30. Smithers Community Learning Services – $36,209

Smithers Community Services Association / Northwest Community College

Services provided by this program include traditional adult literacy and ESL tutoring by volunteers, formal training for tutors, group programs, and raising awareness of the importance of literacy. At least five new students will be matched with volunteer tutors, five new tutors will be trained, and 12 people will continue working with their tutors on their learning goals. Participants can receive help with bus fares, finding housing or counselling, personal budgeting, and assistive technology. Field trips to the college provide inspiration for future careers.

31. Getting on Board – Moricetown – $38,500

Kyah Wiget Education Society / Northwest Community College (new program)

The Moricetown band is working to improve literacy levels of its members with this new program, based on small group work, and tutoring by peers and six volunteer tutors. Aboriginal curricula developed locally will be incorporated. Contact with Northwest Community College advisers and field trips to the college will expand horizons for the 25 people taking part. Elders, guest speakers and members of the community will offer informal workshops and exploration of the Wet’suwet’en language.

32. Kitimat Adult Literacy Program – $25,299

Kitimat Community Services Society / Northwest Community College

This program in Kitimat and Kitimaat Village provides one-on-one tutoring to increase reading, writing, comprehension, conversation and math skills. Tutor training, assessments, small groups and family literacy services are also offered, as well as evening drop-in tutoring sessions. Group learning promotes intergenerational activities for parents, children and extended family members to increase literacy skills together. About 200 students and 10 volunteer tutors are involved.

33. Community Literacy Program – $32,000

Houston Link to Learning / Northwest Community College

This program for Houston families with low literacy levels has been meeting a need for informal learning for more than 20 years. Activities include a community kitchen in which adults cook, teach, learn and share together; a community garden in which adults learn to grow produce and share with the community; café meetings to discuss current issues; parent-child drop-in programs; parenting skills workshops; learner licence classes; and student-led workshops. This year 110 adults are expected to be served.

34. Community Literacy Program – Aboriginal component – $19,866

Houston Link to Learning / Northwest Community College (new program)

Fifteen Aboriginal adults and families will be integrated into the Houston Link to Learning Community Literacy Program (see 33 above), and provided with one-on-one tutoring.

35. Fraser Street Tutoring Project – $36,570

Prince Rupert Community Enrichment / Northwest Community College (new program)

This new outreach program will work with 100 people in Prince Rupert who have low levels of literacy and are unemployed, in poor physical or mental health, have addiction problems or have suffered from trauma or abuse. Many live on the poverty line. Outreach workers will go to centres where these people spend their time, and will begin casual small discussion groups using local newspapers, magazines and brochures for topics. Once people have developed confidence, small group and individual tutoring will be available to them.

INTERIOR

36. Literacy Through Cultural Immersion – $40,000

Nicola Tribal Association / Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (new program)

Between 15 and 20 Aboriginal adults will read, write and speak constantly in a retreat-like atmosphere, with support from staff, volunteer tutors and their peers, in a similar approach to immersion language instruction. Computers will be used, along with other activities including journal writing, chat-room correspondence and sustained silent reading. Elders and community members will tell ancestral stories and pass on other information that will be documented by the learners.

37. Williams Lake Partner Assisted Learning – $40,000

Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy Society / Thompson Rivers University

Based in Williams Lake, this program offers one-to-one adult literacy tutoring in the city and surrounding rural areas. It provides support for 25 adults, from non-readers to those at the Grade 12 level, who are uncomfortable with classroom or online courses, and focuses on their individual needs. Support is also available for those with ESL difficulties. The program, which has been operating for eight years, has attracted skilled, long-term volunteer tutors and experienced co-ordinators.

38. 100 Mile House Partner Assisted Learning – $39,105

Partner Assisted Learning 100 Mile House / Thompson Rivers University

Partner Assisted Learning serves adults from non-readers to the Grade 12 level, as well as those with ESL difficulties, and has received continuous support from the Province for the past eight years. One part-time co-ordinator and 20 trained volunteer tutors serve 20 adults from 100 Mile House and the surrounding communities of Lone Butte, Bridge Lake, 108 Mile House, Forest Grove, Buffalo Creek, 70 Mile House, Green Lake and Lac La Hache.

39. Adult Literacy Outreach – $40,000

Lillooet Area Library Association / Thompson Rivers University (new program)

Fifty adults in Lillooet and the surrounding area will be involved in this new program, which addresses individual literacy and parenting skills and will take place close to or in the participants’ homes. Some people will be reached through the Lillooet Library’s mobile branch, called the Bus. Six volunteer tutors will be members of the Bus team, and will work with parents to let them practise techniques that will support their children’s development. The Bus will also carry community visitors, who will introduce adults to the full range of services available to them.

40. Street School – $40,000

Twin Rivers Education Centre / Thompson Rivers University (new program)

Kamloops adults struggling with poverty, health issues and addictions who need consistent, skilled support to improve literacy and numeracy skills will benefit from this new program. The Street School will be offered in two centres – New Life Mission on the South Shore, and St. George’s Anglican Church on the North Shore. A literacy outreach worker will promote the school, connect clients with social service agencies and provide a link for inmates who attended school at the Kamloops Regional Correctional Centre and wish to further their education. Teachers, volunteers and the outreach worker will deliver individually tailored programs.

41. Reaching Learners – South Cariboo – $39,144

Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy Society / Thompson Rivers University

This program offers services in Williams Lake, 108 Mile Ranch, Buffalo Creek, Horse Lake, Bridge Lake, Lac la Hache, Forest Grove and 100 Mile House. Roaming literacy advocates help adults take the first step towards improving their literacy skills, and steers them towards other resources. Group tutoring provides personalized reading, writing and basic math support, and offers child care, transportation and food to reduce barriers. Training is provided for leaders of weekly parent-child playgroups, including training in offering family literacy and early literacy programs like Parent-Child Mother Father Goose. Training is also offered for Aboriginal parents who want help to foster their children’s literacy development and learning parenting skills.

NORTHERN INTERIOR

42. Valemount Adult Literacy – $19,800

Valemount Learning Society / College of New Caledonia

Up to 80 adults in Valemount will receive one-on-one literacy tutoring, support to access Grade 12 completion services in Prince George, help in preparing for tests to earn the equivalent of high school graduation, computer literacy training and computer access, and advocacy to obtain other community services. Tutoring, supplies, support, space and computer access are available to learners at no cost. The program also hosts literacy awareness events and supplies information to community groups.

43. McBride Adult Literacy Program – $17,210

Robson Valley Home Support Society / College of New Caledonia

This program provides support, counselling, group work and tutoring for 40 adults who are either preparing to write the general educational development tests to earn their high school diplomas, or who have low levels of literacy and need help with such things as reading mail and filling in forms. The program also puts on ESL classes, computer literacy classes and a one-day women’s workshop.

44. Learning Circle Literacy Program – $40,000

Prince George Native Friendship Centre – College of New Caledonia

This program is designed for Aboriginal adults in Prince George whose literacy and numeracy skills are at an elementary level. It includes communication, basic math, critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork. The program is expected to help 156 people make the transition from one-on-one tutoring and small group learning to adult upgrading classes.

45. Learners Self-assessment Capacity in Prince George and the North – $20,000

College Educacentre / College of New Caledonia

This program is designed for residents of the North whose first or only language is French. It will provide tools, resources and support for adults who want to evaluate their literacy levels and develop an action plan to address their needs. It will also provide employment counselling and technical support, both online and face-to-face. The program is expected to serve 12 adults.

46. Literacy Outreach Program – $76,332

College of New Caledonia (new program)

A total of 60 adults in the Fort St. James and Burns Lake area – including remote locations like Granisle, Tachet, Nak’azdli and Tl’azt’en – will be able to develop their skills through this program offered by the College of New Caledonia with the help of four volunteer tutors. Adult, family and Aboriginal components are included. Supports will include transportation, nutritious meals and child care. A choice of in-home tutoring or transportation to a literacy centre will be offered.

NORTHEAST

47. Dawson Creek Adult Literacy Program – $39,000

Dawson Creek Literacy Society / Northern Lights College

An ESL café, one-on-one literacy tutoring, small group instruction, a walk-in program and volunteer training are all part of this program in Dawson Creek. Assessments and mental health workshops will be offered, along with Aboriginal literacy and basic computer literacy. The program is expected to serve 46 adults.

48. Fort St. John Family Literacy and Outreach Centre – $40,000

Fort St. John Literacy Society / Northern Lights College

This program matches 50 adults with 20 volunteer tutors, offers two 12-week family literacy sessions per year, holds at least two new tutor training workshops per year and provides monthly seminars for experienced tutors. Support is provided for adults to meet literacy goals they have set for themselves, including such things as balancing a chequebook or reading to their children; to enter or re-enter the strong local economy; to continue with career-related or academic training; and to improve family literacy levels.

49. Atlin Community Literacy Outreach – $18,377

Atlin Community Library & Tlingit Family Learning Centre / Northern Lights College

This program is offered in Atlin as well as on the 5 Mile Reserve to provide a comfortable environment for Aboriginal adults, and culturally relevant materials. Workshops are offered twice a month on life skills topics, as well as one-on-one tutorial services for resume writing, Internet job searches, filling out online applications and using e-mail. Parents can also learn about fostering literacy in their children, as well as teaching music to children. The program is expected to involve 30 students and three volunteer tutors.

50. Prophet River Family Drop-in Program – $24,420

Fort Nelson Community Literacy Society / Northern Lights College (new program)

This new program helps Aboriginal parents become partners in their children’s education. They will take part in crafts and other playtime activities, learn safe and healthy food preparation, network with other Aboriginal families, and have access to literacy material and help from tutors to increase their families’ literacy and life skills. The program expects to serve 30 adults, and to engage two volunteer tutors.

51. Sikanni Adult Learning Program – $19,910

Fort Nelson Community Literacy Society / Northern Lights College (new program)

This new program will help meet the literacy needs resulting from the oil and gas industry boom in the Fort Nelson region, which often attracts young men from other areas who are not prepared for starting work. (For example, most jobs require safety tickets, which can be a barrier for those with literacy issues.) One-on-one tutoring will be provided, as well as help connecting with other community resources. The program is expected to serve 30 adults, with six to eight volunteer tutors.

52. Family Drop-in Program – $23,980

Fort Nelson Community Literacy Society / Northern Lights College (new program)

This new family literacy program will address needs of young families in Fort Nelson, which has the highest birth rate in B.C., as well as high teen pregnancy and school dropout rates. The program, to be delivered by the Fort Nelson Aboriginal Friendship Society, includes 28 parents learning to interact with their children through crafts and play, and becoming partners in their children’s education. The parents will also learn about safe and healthy food preparation and nutrition.

OKANAGAN

53. Revelstoke Volunteer Adult Tutoring Literacy Program – $28,516

Revelstoke Literacy Action Committee / Okanagan College

Between 10 and 15 adults will be paired with volunteer tutors based on compatibility, interests and schedules, meeting each week to work towards completing the person’s education, employment or personal goals. Also offered is small group literacy instruction at the Revelstoke Adult Centre of Learning, as well as events like computer or journaling workshops. Tutors continue to take part in training workshops throughout the year.

54. Revelstoke Family Literacy Program – $20,185

Revelstoke Family Literacy / Okanagan College

Seven family literacy programs and 18 volunteer tutors will serve at least 150 families, with facilitators helping 240 adults to become active in their children’s learning experiences. Workshops will be offered to give parents the skills to support their children as they learn to read. As well, the program will put on four literacy promotion events, as well as producing newspaper articles, presentations, posters and brochures.

55. South Okanagan Community Literacy Program – $32,500

Okanagan Regional Library / Okanagan College

Volunteers deliver one-to-one tutoring in Oliver, Osoyoos and Okanagan Falls under this program, which is expected to involve 25 adult students and 29 volunteer tutors. Long-term and short-term goals will be set and reviewed with tutors every month. Tutors meet with the program co-ordinator each week for support. The program will also promote communication among all literacy providers in the south Okanagan.

56. Senior Education Team Literacy Program – $40,000 (new program)

Literacy and Youth Initiatives Society of North Okanagan / Okanagan College

This new program is designed to bring literacy support to 45 Vernon-area seniors at the Schubert Centre, the Halin Senior Centre, and the Saddle Mountain Place Senior Centre. Other seniors residences will be encouraged to use these services, and outreach tutors will visit those who cannot leave their homes to attend. The program will focus on medical awareness, a well as literacy for fun. Seniors will start a permanent health journal, and learn about their specific medical conditions. They will also take part in such activities as drama, music, oral traditions and autobiographies.

57. Shuswap Family Place Literacy and Little Ones Project – $33,314

Shuswap Children’s Association / Okanagan College

Ten young parents with low literacy skills, including some for whom English is a second language, are expected to benefit from this new program. Parents will learn to read books to their children, develop a children’s activity calendar that will feature ages and stages of early childhood development, and produce a simple-to-read family cookbook. Four or five volunteer tutors will also be involved.

KOOTENAYS

58. West Kootenay Adult Tutoring and Community Outreach Program – $60,000

Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy / Selkirk College

This program expects to serve 2,000 people – 900 adults and 1,100 children – in Castlegar, Grand Forks, Kaslo, Nakusp, Nelson, Salmo, Trail and the Slocan Valley. Programs include Stress Free Reading at Home, Love 2 Learn (parents practise and improve their own literacy skills while learning to support their children’s learning and literacy development), Language Adventures for Families, Mother Goose (parents learn to support their children’s oral language development), and family tutoring (parents and children meet with a tutor together to improve the entire family’s literacy skills).

59. Community and Family Literacy Programs, West Kootenay/Boundary – $60,000

Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy / Selkirk College

This program provides one-on-one tutoring and small group ESL classes in Castlegar, Grand Forks, Nakusp, Nelson and Trail, as well as other activities tailored to each community, such as computer classes, health literacy workshops and reading and writing groups.. About 250 people are expected attend, aiming to get jobs, upgrade employment, further their education, or improve their personal circumstances.

60. Community and Family Literacy Programs in the East Kootenays – $66,000

Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy / College of the Rockies

This funding goes to six East Kootenay communities – Golden, Windemere Valley, Elk Valley, Cranbrook, Kimberley and Creston – that formed a partnership in 2000 to share literacy services. A total of 1,200 adults are expected to benefit from this funding, which includes recruiting and training volunteer tutors, and work to raise awareness of literacy issues. Programs include parents practising and improving their own literacy skills while learning to support their children’s literacy development, parents learning computer skills to improve their chances of getting good jobs when they return to the workforce, and parents and children meeting with a tutor together.

PROVINCEWIDE

61. Keeping the Core Strong – $265,000

Literacy BC / Vancouver Community College

Literacy BC plans and co-ordinates provincial family literacy awareness events (Raise-a-Reader, International Literacy Day and Family Literacy Week). With this funding the society will also provide support to family literacy programs and projects, create and maintain provincial family literacy resources, and continue to work with other groups to research, promote and support family literacy.

62. Literacy Practitioner Training and Development – $143,000

Literacy BC / Vancouver Community College (new program)

This funding provides training and orientation for representatives from new projects funded under the community adult literacy program this year, as well as other adult literacy practitioners. It includes face-to-face training, as well as ongoing online professional support for 14 regional literacy co-ordinators and 75 other community-based adult literacy practitioners in B.C.

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Media contact:	Corinna Filion Communications Manager 250 952-6400 250 812-7977 (cell)

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