NEW FUNDING, NEW PROGRAMS ADVANCE ADULT LITERACY

VICTORIA – The Province has increased its funding for community adult literacy programs to help British Columbians reach their potential at work and at home, Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell announced today.

“Doing what it takes to become the most literate place in North America is one of the smartest moves we can make to assure British Columbia continues to prosper in the future,” Coell said. “We’ve more than tripled the funding for community adult literacy programs to help people around the province gain skills that will allow them to take part in our knowledge economy.”

For 2007-08, the provincial government has increased funding for community adult literacy programs by more than 70 per cent to $2.4 million. This is up from $700,000 in 2001 and $1.4 million last year. Sixty-two programs, including 23 that are being funded for the first time, are receiving grants of up to $40,000 each to provide training in everything from basic literacy to high school completion. They are expected to serve more than 7,500 people.

Programs are delivered across the province by community groups working with B.C.’s public post-secondary institutions. Most offer one-on-one tutoring by trained volunteers, small group classes and other types of learning tailored to adults, including people in rural and remote communities, Aboriginals, young parents, people living in poverty, and new Canadians who are not literate in their first language.

Recent studies show that more than one million adult British Columbians are lacking literacy skills that would let them reach their full potential at work. This includes such things as being able to fill out job applications or read safety warnings on machinery.

“Participating in a program to increase your literacy skills can also improve your self‑confidence and career opportunities,” said Shirley Bond, Minister of Education and Minister responsible for Literacy. “Our government is working to support communities committed to literacy, and to help all British Columbians reach their potential.”

Since 2001, the Province has provided $8.7 million for community adult literacy programs throughout B.C.

“Literate people create strong communities, and strong communities build a strong province,” Coell said. “The thousands of people helped through this year’s programs alone will be better workers, better parents and better citizens.”

The B.C. government has announced over $125 million in new literacy programs and services since taking office, and has launched ReadNow BC, a comprehensive action plan to improve British Columbians’ literacy skills. The ReadNow BC website at www.readnowbc.ca includes a link to a database of literacy programs and services available throughout B.C., community by community.

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