Literacy programs led by the College of New Caledonia that support adult learners in the region are getting a funding top-up from the province.
The Province is investing $2.9 million in the Community Adult Literacy Program, which includes a one-time top-up investment for 2021-22.
This support will fund 97 programs, delivered by 66 organizations in 128 communities throughout the province.
These community-based Indigenous, adult and family literacy programs are provided for free and delivered by community organizations, Indigenous-led organizations and public post-secondary institutions.
Literacy programming typically includes one-on-one tutoring and small-group instruction, which support all levels of literacy.
Programs receiving funding and being led by the College of New Caledonia include:
- Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy for Family Literacy Programs in Valemount
- Literacy Quesnel Society for Adults Building Literacy and Education (ABLE) and Indigenous Community Adult Literacy Program (ICALP) in Quesnel and area
- McLeod Lake Indian Band (MLIB) for Community Adult Literacy Program (CALP) in McLeod Lake
- Robson Valley Community Services in McBride, Dome, Creek and Dunster for
- McBride Adult Literacy and Outreach Program
- McBride Family Literacy Program
- McBride Indigenous Literacy and Outreach Program
- Robson Valley Community Services for Valemount Indigenous Literacy and Outreach Program Valemount, Albreda, Tete Jaune
- Valemount Learning Society for Valemount Community Adult Literacy Program Valemount
- Vanderhoof Public Library for Adult Literacy Program Vanderhoof
An estimated 700,000 people in British Columbia have significant challenges with literacy, numeracy and digital literacy.
"The everyday impact of building literacy on our communities will be felt for generations. Literacy and numeracy programs help people fill out application forms, understand health information, help kids with their homework, establish household budgets, and read and understand labels," said Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training, in a news release.
"It goes beyond that, too. For many adult learners, literacy programs are an important first step in an educational journey to post-secondary studies as they work toward career and life goals for themselves and their families."
The difference between adult literacy and Adult Basic Education programs is that community literacy programs are offered by trained volunteers in informal settings, such as the local library.
These programs focus on basic literacy, numeracy, life skills and employment preparation and can be a starting point toward high school completion or achieving academic credentials.
"It is never too late to develop literacy skills, and the skills gained can change lives in so many ways. Adult literacy programs are an investment in an individual that impacts whole communities," said Margaret Sutherland, executive director of Decoda Literacy Solutions which is a provincewide literacy organization in B.C.
