The Ashcroft Literacy Program held some special events for Family Literacy Week, and is keeping the momentum going with board game afternoons and community socials at the Cache Creek Community Hall between now and May 23.
The events, in partnership with the Village of Cache Creek, are free, and open to people of all ages. Community socials will take place on Feb. 14, March 14, April 11, and May 9, while board game events will take place on Feb. 28, March 28, April 25, and May 23. All the events are from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., and snacks, juice, and water are provided.
“I purposely chose 3:30 p.m. so parents could bring their kids after school,” says Victoria Aussem, the Ashcroft Adult Tutor Program Coordinator. “Anyone can come — it’s for all ages — but it’s not an after school program. Parents have to stay with their children, as it’s meant to be a time for families to be together.”
While every session will be a little bit different, Aussem says that games and puzzles will be a constant: “They’re what people want to do, so we’ll always have those. We want to engage people in a social atmosphere.”
The community social events will feature a book club, and Aussem will be bringing a kit from the Thompson-Nicola Regional Library system, where she works. She will also be bringing cognitive care kits, which spur memories and allow inter-generational discussions about how things have changed over the years.
“One of the kits is about food; others are about family, seasons, and farming," she says. "They help people share how things relate to their life and memories.”
She adds that everything is related to literacy, and she will be providing information about the services she provides for people in the community. “I’m there if you need help with using a computer, or filling out a form, or writing a letter.”
Aussem offers Partner Assisted Learning (PAL) and a Community Adult Literacy Program, which provide free and confidential tutoring to adults aged 19 and older who might need help with basic reading, writing, or math skills. Run by Yellowhead Community Services, the program aims to help adults develop stronger literacy and numeracy skills.
“I’m seeing a lot of growth in the PAL program, and I’m dealing with a number of English Language Learners,” says Aussem. “That’s where I’m really reaching out in the community. It’s a good way to connect with people who might be new, and I can help with their literacy needs.”
Ashcroft Family Literacy has drop-in sessions from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays, in classroom 3 at the Ashcroft HUB. Aussem is also able to make private appointments; for more information, drop by the Ashcroft Library on Tuesdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to speak with her, call (778) 208-9430, or email ashcroftliteracy@yellowheadcs.ca.
