Adult learners around Clearwater will get help to improve their literacy and numeracy skills thanks to a project funded through the Community Adult Literacy Program (CALP). Yellowhead Community Services Society is receiving $25,631 for its Partner Assisted Learning Program.
"It's important that we support those who want to learn and further their education," said Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake. "Programs like this can help increase people's involvement in their communities and make a huge difference in their quality of life."
School District 73's Twin Rivers Education Center also is to receive $40,000 from CALP for its Street School program in Kamloops.
Projects funded under CALP provide instruction and support to adult learners in everything from basic literacy to high school completion.
The projects focus on the individual goals of learners such as improving their literacy skills in order to enhance the quality of their lives, improve their employment opportunities, further their education and increase their involvement in their families and communities.
Most offer one-on-one tutoring by trained volunteers, small group classes and other types of learning tailored to adults, Aboriginal learners, young parents and others in the community in need of support.
CALP projects are offered in a variety of settings - schools, non-profit organizations, native friendship and community centers - and are supported by volunteers.
The projects are delivered through partnerships between community groups and B.C.'s public post-secondary institutions.
In all, government is providing $2.4 million to the Community Adult Literacy Program for 2011-12 to support 72 projects around the province - eight more than last year. The program is expected to benefit close to 8,000 British Columbians.
Since 2001, government has invested $18.3 million in CALP, helping more than 70,000 adults learn how to read or improve their reading, writing and numeracy skills.
This program supports the BC Jobs Plan commitment to enhancing access to advanced education, skills and apprenticeship training throughout the province