The provincial government is granting $17,626 to the High Bar First Nation, $28,519 to the Lillooet Area Library Association and $27,917 to the Skeetchestn Indian Band to provide residents of Clinton, Lillooet and Skeetchestn with the literacy skills they need to participate in B.C.’s growing economy.
“Literacy is key to improving the quality of life of our citizens and helping them participate in our growing economy,” Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart said. “This program is a great example of how working together opens doors for individuals and benefits entire communities.”
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 High Bar First Nation and Lillooet and Area Library Association are collaborating with Thompson Rivers University. The Skeetchestn Indian Band is collaborating with the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology.
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