Teachers at Burnaby’s Learning Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program are being recognized on International Literacy Day as the B.C. recipient of the Council of the Federation Literacy Award for their efforts to connect immigrants and refugees with literacy skills they need to get involved in their community.

Many students come to Burnaby LINC unable to read or write in any language. The program helps students improve their English-language literacy and understand Canadian culture through creative teaching methods that develop the real-life skills they need to be successful in B.C.

Teachers at Burnaby LINC teach more than English-language literacy. They also connect students with community organizations that support them as they get used to life in Canada. For example, the program partners with B.C. Institute of Technology’s student nurses, who help LINC students understand how to use community health services and live healthy lives in Canada.

The program provides these services at no charge to students, and offers free childcare for students during classes through a partnership with Burnaby Family Life Institute. The program has been operating in the Burnaby school district since 1992.

The Council of the Federation, which comprises all 13 provincial and territorial premiers, created the literacy award in 2004. Each province and territory chooses a group that has made a significant contribution to literacy. Award recipients receive a certificate, signed by the premier of their province or territory, a Council of the Federation Literacy Award medallion and $300.

Quotes:

Mike Bernier, Minister of Education –

“The teachers of Burnaby LINC are making a difference for their students, their community, and our province by helping their students build prosperous lives in Canada. This International Literacy Day, I am pleased that Burnaby LINC has been given national recognition on the incredible work they have done to help families get literacy skills, get settled and get involved in their communities.”

Richard T. Lee, MLA for Burnaby North –

“Teachers at Burnaby LINC have been providing an incredible service to ensure that newcomers to Canada are welcomed and able to get involved in our thriving community. In Burnaby, we are very proud to keep building a strong community that includes many different cultures. I would like to thank Burnaby LINC for ensuring that everyone who comes to be a part of it can.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001 the B.C. government has invested more than $1.5 billion in literacy and literacy-related initiatives for British Columbians.

Learn More:

For more information on literacy in B.C., go to: http://www.decoda.ca/literacy-in-bc/