Office of the Premier
Adult literacy programs in 75 communities throughout the province will receive $2.4 million in 2015-16 to provide more British Columbians with the literacy skills they need to take part in the growing economy.
The announcement was made today by Social Development and Social Innovation Minister Michelle Stilwell on behalf of Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson as she visited with adult literacy learners and tutors, and staff at the Career Centre in Parksville.
Provincial funding for community adult literacy programs are distributed to not-for-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 programs are tailored to suit the needs of any adult with low-literacy ability, and are delivered by trained volunteers offering one-to-one tutoring or small-group classes.
Each community organization delivering community adult literacy programs collaborates 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 employment training.
For example, the Central Vancouver Island Job Opportunities Building Society, in partnership with Vancouver Island University (VIU), received funding of $40,000 this year to help adults improve their literacy and numeracy skills in the Tutoring Program at the Career Centre in Parksville to further their education and employment prospects.
Since 2001, the Province has invested more than $25 million in community adult literacy programs, helping approximately 100,000 adults improve their reading, writing and math skills.
Quotes:
Parksville-Qualicum MLA, and Social Development and Social Innovation Minister Michelle Stilwell –
“Strong reading, writing and math skills are the starting point for many adults looking to upgrade their education, enter skills training programs and secure a good job. Almost 9,500 adult learners will gain essential skills and confidence through the investment by our government in adult literacy programs.”
“Community adult literacy programs deliver literacy training to adults close to home. I am happy that the residents of Parksville will have the opportunity to share in the benefits through the work of the Central Vancouver Island Job Opportunities Building Society and Vancouver Island University.”
Cheryl Dill, executive director, Central Vancouver Island Job Opportunities Building Society –
“This provincial adult literacy grant will enable continuation of the Tutoring Program and support over 80 learners and 25 new tutors in 2015-16. To date, more than 1,800 adult learners have improved their literacy levels through this funding and partnership initiative with Vancouver Island University, and many have achieved their employment goals as a result.”
Shohei Miki, woodworker, artist and adult literacy learner in the Tutoring Program at the Career Centre in Parksville –
“The Tutoring Program is a place not only for having a private tutor and studying language on the computer, but also a place for gaining the lifestyle and culture of Canada through the staff of the program. This is a perfect place to learn English.”
Jean Maltesen, Vancouver Island University dean, Academic and Career Preparation –
“This government funding will help ensure adult learners have access to important community programs aimed at improving their literacy and numeracy skills. Through our partnerships with community organizations, we’ve seen the impact these programs have on adult learners in terms of opening doors to further educational opportunities and career advancement. The funding also supports one of VIU’s core values of improving access to education.”
Learn More:
Find more information about community adult literacy programs at: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/adult-education/adult-upgrading
A backgrounder follows.
