VICTORIA - The Province is providing $2.4 million to support adult literacy training programs in 90 communities throughout British Columbia this year.
"This funding will ensure more than 9,000 adult learners throughout the province will get the help they need to improve their reading, writing and math skills," said Advanced Education Minister Amrik Virk. "We're investing in adult literacy to help British Columbians gain the skills they need to further their education and training and improve their job prospects."
Funding for the Community Adult Literacy Program (CALP) is distributed to not-for-profit community groups to offer free literacy training that is easily accessible in local schools, native friendship and community centres.
The program is tailored to suit the needs of Aboriginal learners, young parents, and other adults in the community, and is delivered by trained volunteers offering one-to-one tutoring or small group classes.
"The CALP program is essential to providing learners with a first step towards reaching their goals and pursuing other educational opportunities," said Kerry Milner Cairns, manager of the Yellowhead Community Services Society. "CALP programs support learners by providing a safe, comfortable, learner focused environment. It's a unique program where adults learn what is relevant to them, and can receive supports to remove barriers to their learning. Success in the CALP program provides the confidence to improve one's life through more advanced learning, creating improved employment opportunities, and notable gains in quality of family life, social engagement and community participation."
Each community organization delivering CALP 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.
Since 2001, the Government of B.C. has invested more than $25 million in CALP, helping more than 93,000 adults improve their reading and writing skills.