The provincial government is granting $204,691 to regional organizations to provide residents with the literacy skills they need to participate in B.C.’s growing economy.
The organizations are:
· Vanderhoof Public Library - $33,800
· Fraser Lake Library - $33,800
· Fort St. James Public Library family program - $29,600
· Fort St. James Public Library adult program - $18,000
· Nak’azdli Band-Social Development Department - $33,800
“By providing adults in our communities with the chance to improve their literacy skills, these programs will help people reach their education goals,” Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad said.
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 College of New Caledonia is collaborating with the Vanderhoof Public Library, the Fraser Lake Library, the Fort. St James Public Library and the Nak’azdli Band-Social Development Department. Northwest Community College is collaborating with Houston Link to Learning.
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, visit:http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/literacy/welcome.htm.